Holy Land: Update from Bishop Dr Imad Haddad on Natalie Abuddayeh

Bishop Dr Imad Haddad, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land writes:

Dear friends and partners,

Our thanks goes out to each of you who have advocated for the release of Natalie Abuddayeh since her detainment on the 2nd of June. Distressingly, Natalie has now been imprisoned for over a month. We are grateful to all those who continue to pray for her safety and freedom.

Yesterday Natalie had a virtual appearance in Israeli military court. Unfortunately, the judge denied the Abudayyeh family's request that she be released on bail for the remaining duration of court proceedings. After traveling to court hoping to be able to return home with Natalie, her family members are exhausted, frustrated, and anxious.

Natalie's family has not been allowed to visit her or have any face-to-face contact since her detainment. Her lawyer has had limited access to speak with her via video call, but no family member has been allowed to see or talk to her.

Natalie is currently being held at Damon Prison where, according to a statement by the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs last week, Palestinian women are subjected to very harsh conditions and are deprived of basic human rights guaranteed by international law. Israel continues to deny her in-person access to her lawyer. We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. Her next court date has been set for 22 July.

Though the other women detained with her also remain in prison, we do not have significant information regarding their status as their cases have now been separated from Natalie's and each other's.

On behalf of the ELCJHL, I join Natalie's family in continuing to call for her immediate and unconditional release. In the interim, we also ask that someone from Natalie's family or the church be permitted to visit her, in order to provide essential support and care.

We call on you, our friends and partners around the world, to keep advocating to any officials in your networks on Natalie's behalf, demanding access for her family and lawyer, fair and open legal processes, and the end of this unjust detainment.

Please continue to pray and work for justice, following Christ's footsteps.

Bishop Dr Imad Haddad

Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land