PCHR Weekly Report: 3 Palestinians injured, 23 abducted this week

According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, during the week of 09 – 16 April 2009, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank. Israeli forces abducted 23 Palestinians, including 3 children. 18 were abducted during military invasions in the West Bank, and 5 were abducted at Israeli checkpoints within the West Bank.

For full article, visit http://www.imemc.org/article/60000

Israeli Passover restrictions prevent hundreds from reaching Jerusalem for prayer

Muslims heading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers and Christians wishing to worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is said to have been buried following his crucifiction, in Jerusalem were turned away from Israeli checkpoints.

For full article, visit http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=37015

Stuart Littlewood: Student Foils Israeli Bid to Wreck Family’s Hopes

In 2004, the Israelis arrested her eldest brother, a 22 year-old artist who designed posters and banners for university student groups. They accused him of taking part in student political activities, which can mean anything from running for student council to organizing speaking events, and for this he spent 4 years in prison.

In 2007, they came back for Merna’s 18-year-old brother. He is still incarcerated under ‘administrative detention’, which means he hasn’t been charged or sentenced for any crime because the Israeli military claims to have secret evidence, which only a military judge can see. The Israelis use this device to lock up Palestinians – mostly students – for up to 6 months, to be renewed if the mood takes them. Merna’s 19 year-old cousin is also in prison waiting to be charged with a ‘crime’.

Merna in Azzeh Camp where she lives. The bright smile hides a steely determination

Then a few months ago the military came again, this time to take her youngest brother. Merna was in despair. He had only just turned 16. “As he was being taken away, he told us to take care of ourselves,” said Merna, her eyes brimming with tears. “He’s my little brother!  He is the one who needs taking care of. What is he doing in an awful prison cell and how are his spirits?”

For full article, visit http://www.palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=14984

Palestinian students say beaten at checkpoint

Alla’s father told Ynet that after identifying themselves, his son and Iad were taken into a room, where the officers ordered them to strip and “beat them for no reason.”

The father, who is known to the IDF’s Coordination and Liaison Administration, said “why should two students on their way to the university encounter such unwarranted brutality?”

For full article, visit http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3694720,00.html