Bethlehem youth worker freed after nine months 'administrative detention'

Anas Abu Srour - finally free

Source: Aida Youth Centre

Anas Abu Srour, the executive director of a youth club in Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, was released without charge yesterday, after serving nine months of administrative detention in several prisons.

A notice on Aida Youth Centre website reads: "Anas Abu Srour is a prominent figure in Palestinian society, who has contributed significantly to youth development and enhancing their participation in social and cultural life through his work at Aida Youth Center. His role has been pivotal in providing educational and development opportunities for youth, and supporting initiatives aimed at building a better future.

Anas was subjected to administrative detention, a clear violation of human rights, where individuals are held without specific charges or a fair trial. This type of detention is widely used by the Israeli occupation to silence activist voices and thwart efforts to advance Palestinian society.

After nine months of steadfastness and patience, Anas returns today to his family and loved ones, and to his colleagues at the Aida Youth Center who are waiting for him impatiently to continue together the journey of giving and working for the sake of Palestinian youth."

Anas was arrested in November last year as he drove home after an English exam. For several days his young family and colleagues at the youth centre did not know where he being kept. Eventually they were told that he under 'administrative detention'. His six month sentence was extended without explanation. In December last year, Munther Amira, Chairman of the Board of Directors Aida Youth Center, was also arrested and held without charge for two and half months. He described horrendous conditions in the prison where he was held.

On ICN we've covered the stories of both youth workers, and the campaigns for their release. Read more HERE

Fleur Brennan, who met Anas at Aida Youth Centre last summer, during a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Holy Apostles, Pimlico, told ICN: "We are so relieved to see him back after this terrible injustice. At last he will be free to return to his young family and his invaluable work at the youth centre. I thank God for his release and I pray for freedom for all Palestinians from the persecutions they suffer."

Fleur added: "Anas' pictures this week show he has lost weight and is visibly thinner. His release comes alongside the statement yesterday by Christian Aid's Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy, William Bell, deploring Israel's treatment of Palestinian detainees. He said: 'There can be no excuse for being subjected to deliberate starvation, forced lack of hygiene, sleep deprivation and denial of adequate medical care.'"

LINKS

Bethlehem: Arrested youth centre director sentenced to six months 'administrative detention' + petition
www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48651

#FreeAnasAbuSrour
www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48619

Aida Youth Centre
www.aidacenter.org/