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Das 'popular struggle coordination comittee' sammelt für eine Kaution für Azmi Shioukhy (Beit Ummar) [01.07.2011]

On Monday, 27. June 2011, prominent activist Azmi Shioukhy from adh Dahariya was once again arrested, this time while reclaiming lands of the South Hebron village of ar Ramadin, which settlers are attempting to seize. According to local activists, settlers had previously uprooted trees from these lands a few months ago and recently planted "their own" trees on the same stretch of land in an attempt to further expand their unlawful colonies.

Reclaiming their fields and in protest to the illegal appropriation of their lands, a group of villagers and activist supporters removed these new trees so as to render the area available for their owners' use. As is often the case in the conflicted South of Hebron, the settlers in response clashed with the residents and activists, while the Israeli Occupation Army not only failed yet another time to protect the lawful owners and indigenous people of the land, but targeted them in turn. According to witnesses, Azmi Shioukhy was beaten by soldiers and arrested allegedly for "assaulting a soldier" and "causing damage". There is a video that supports Azmi’s claim that these allegations are unfounded – and we will send you a link once we have access to it. On Wednesday, 29. June, the military court ordered the release of Azmi on a deposit of 10.000 Shekel as bail. This amount is unreasonably high, particularly considering that no charges were filed against Azmi, and that the prosecution announced they would not appeal against his release.

In order to spare Azmi an extended detention in military prison while we fundraise for the needed sum, a friend generously advanced the money and Azmi is thus due to be released and return to his family today. However, we need to repay the friend as soon as possible. Thus, we urgently need your support now to collectively raise 10 000 Shekel. The Popular Struggle Coordination Committee is kindly asking for donations so that we can repay the sum that was set for Azmi's release. Please, make your donations to the following account and notify us about the transfer you are making at info@popularstruggle.org.

BANK OF PALESTINE PLC
RAMALLAH BRANCH
RAMALLAH, WEST BANK, PALESTINE TERRITORIES
SWIFT CODE: PALSPS22
BANK NO: 89
BRANCH NO: 458
BENEFICIARY NAME : Popular Struggle Coordination Committee
BENEFICIARY ACCOUNT NO: 1205998

Or see the following link.
The money will be returned from the court in the future, and will be used for a future fund for releasing prisoners on bail condition. Thank you for your continued support and solidarity. The Popular Struggle Coordination Committee and other friends of Azmi's.  (ts)