Report: “Free Hana’ Shalabi” – IPSC mark International Women’s Day 2012

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign marked International Women’s Day 2012 with a demonstration in Dublin city centre calling for the release of Palestinian hunger striker and political prisoner Hana’ Shalabi and celebrating women’s resistance to Israeli Apartheid and occupation. Independents Maureen O’Sullivan TD and Senator David Norris stopped by during the action to show their solidarity.

Wearing locks over their mouths, solidarity activists assembled in the shadow of the Spire on O’Connell Street, and for two hours stood with banners, placards and leaflets (download PDF) calling for the release of Hana’ Shalabi, who was on the 22nd day of her hunger strike in protest against her internment without trial, and brutal and degrading treatment at the hands of the Israeli state.

Prior to her current imprisonment, Hana had been detained by Israel for a two year period without charge or trial. She was released in October 2011 as part of the Palestinian-Israeli prisoner exchange. On 16 February 2012, she was again interned without trial. Upon arrival at Salem Detention Center, Hana’ was forcibly strip searched by a male soldier and again assaulted. Hana’ described her treatment as “utterly degrading”and subsequently began a hunger strike. However, Hana’s hunger strike, like that of her compatriot Khader Adnan before her, is not about herself. It is about justice.

Hana’ is hunger striking to end, once and for all, the Israeli policy of interment without trial – euphemistically called ‘Administrative Detention’ – which Amnesty International says Israel uses “to lock up Palestinian activists without charge or trial”. As Amnesty notes, these detention orders can be repeatedly renewed, “so in effect detainees can be held indefinitely. The process violates their right to a fair trial which is guaranteed by international law”.

Freda Hughes speaking

The demonstration also highlighted the important role played by Palestinian women in the resistance to Israel’s brutal occupation and Apartheid system. Speaking at the event, Freda Hughes, a teacher and former Chairperson of the IPSC, noted that “Palestinian women display remarkable qualities of endurance; Living under stress in poverty, their homes destroyed, lands razed or expropriated, children sick, husbands imprisoned, fathers killed, and more, they plant seeds of hope, fulfil daily social roles, and participate in political and everyday resistance. Palestinian women are mothers, carers, fighters, activists, workers, teachers and parliamentarians.”

Fatin Al Tamimi speaking

Also speaking at the event was Fatin Al Tamimi, a Palestinian photographer and activist, who paid tribute both to the resistance of Palestinian women, and women all over the world who have fought for a better world free from national, social and gender oppression.

The IPSC also released a statement marking this historic day, which noted that “on International Women’s Day 2012, and every day, the IPSC salutes the women of Palestine and their immeasurable contribution to their people’s struggle for human, national and political rights.” You can read the full statement online here.

Plaque at the tree planted in honour of Rachel Corrie (10 April 1979 – 16 March 2003)

Earlier in the day, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) planted a tree in memory US human rights activist Rachel Corrie who was killed by the Israeli military in March 2003 trying to protect the home of a Palestinian family in Gaza. Councillors in SDCC passed a motion last year to commemorate her life and what she stood for. The tree was planted in Arboretum Corcagh Park in Clondalkin; a beautiful location, surrounded by the wonders of nature.