Protests put focus on detainees, Advocates says "Israel" has 9,500 in custody

Source: Daily Star, 20-4-2006
SOUTH LEBANON: Advocates for the release of Arab detainees in "Israeli" prisons marked the "Day of the Arab and Palestinian Detainee" Wednesday by holding sit-ins in Beirut and South Lebanon. The Committee of the Detainees` Representatives held a sit-in in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters in Hamra. A delegation from the families of detainees in "Israeli" prisons handed the ICRC an official letter describing the Lebanese and Palestinian detainees` conditions and calling on international and humanitarian organizations to exert pressure on "Israel" to implement international resolutions and abide by the Geneva Accords.
The protesters held photos of the Lebanese and Palestinian detainees, including a recent photo of Samir Kantar, the longest-held Lebanese prisoner in "Israeli" prisons.
Bassam Kantar, brother of Samir, criticized Premier Fouad Siniora`s speech delivered in Washington because he did not ask for the release of Kantar.
The letter described the situation of the 9,500 Lebanese, Palestinians and Arab being held in "Israel`s" prisons stressing that they include women, children, elderly and sick detainees. The letter also tackled inhumane and unsanitary conditions inside the jails and the lack of doctors and medicines. It added that "Israel" is still using the most severe internationally banned means of torture. It also stressed the need to put an end to Samir Kantar`s file.
Head of the Shiite Intellectual Gathering, Raef Rida urged "the Arab countries and those opposing "Israel" and the U.S. to support the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine in order to restore the Occupied Territories and liberate the detainees."
Hamas` political officer in Tyre Abu Khaled Jihad said that the attempts to topple the Palestinian government will be "defeated," adding that the Palestinian people will be "stronger" and "more dedicated" to their government. Jihad added that "depriving the Palestinian government of its powers and replacing it by what is called a shadow government will not be accepted."
Jihad was speaking during a sit in held by Hamas in Bas Palestinian refuge camp near Tyre on the occasion of "The Detainees` Day." Representatives of Palestinian parties and Hizbullah participated.