RAMALLAH, October 2, 2011 (WAFA) - Head of Palestinian Prisoners Club, Qaddura Fares, said that more than 20 Palestinian prisoners detained at Asqalan prison will join the open hunger strike on Sunday.

Over 3500 Palestinian prisoners in all Israeli prisons began an open hunger strike last Wednesday against the Israeli prison administration’s punitive measures against them.

Fares said rallies are being organized in Palestinian cities in Monday in support of the Palestinian prisoners’ demands.

Minister of Detainees and Ex-Detainees, Issa Qaraqe, also announced that solidarity events will be held on Monday in support of Palestinian prisoners.

Qaraqe said the Ministry of Detainees and Ex-Detainees will take solidarity action with their demands, including a Palestinian boycott of the Israeli judicial system, stopping family visitations and conducting other popular movements of protest to raise awareness and rally support for Palestinian prisoners.

He called on the Palestinian people to uphold their national responsibilities by supporting prisoners who are held in Israeli prisons.

The prisoners are demanding not to have to go through humiliating measures such as wearing the orange prison uniform, standing up during count and being forced to abide by the daily prison administration’s instructions.

Their demands include ending individual and collective punishments such as solitary confinement, prevention of family visitations, imposition of fines and tying their hands and legs during visits. Prisoners are also asking for their rights in continuing their education as well as receiving the appropriate treatment for the sick and injured.

T.R./F.J.