nov 25 ."trial" of jailed PFLP Leader ahmad saadat in isreali court

[luchtoibre]

PFLP: November 25 hearing for Comrade Sa'adat must become a trial of the occupation!


November 25, 2008 will mark a critical hearing in the ongoing, illegitimate and unjust so-called military trial of Comrade Leader Ahmad Sa'adat, General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. On this date, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is calling for the broadest campaign of solidarity and support with Comrade Sa'adat, demanding his release and the release of all prisoners of the Zionist occupation.
The PFLP called out to all Palestinian, Arab and international forces in solidarity with Palestine to make November 25 a day of solidarity with the prisoners and to place the occupation on trial.
Events will take place around the world. In Palestine, a demonstration will be held in front of the Red Cross headquarters in Gaza City coinciding with the court hearing. Events will also take place in Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and elsewherein occupied Palestine, under the slogan, "Freedom for the General Secretary Ahmad Sa'adat and All Prisoners in the Zionist Prisons."
This call to action was joined by the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces, who called upon all of the institutions of our people to participate in events and activities calling for the immediate release of Ahmad Sa'adat, national leader and General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, noting that over two years had passed since his abduction from Jericho prison and this time is critical in his case.
The statement focused upon the absolute necessity for all Palestinian political prisoners to be released unconditionally.
Abbas al-Jummah, Political Bureau member of the Palestinian Liberation Front and member of the National Committee for the Defense of Prisoners and Detainees in Zionist Jails, called for active participation in actions of solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat, as a national leader of our people. He called upon the Palestinian people to take a series of actions in solidarity with the prisoners and Comrade Sa'adat, Marwan Barghouthi and Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Hijleh, and demanded that the international community, human rights organizations, the International Red Cross and the Arab League to take action for the release of the prisoners.

[from PFLP website]

[luchtoibre]

STATEMENT ON NOVEMBER 25 "COURT HEARING" FROM THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE AHMAD SA'ADAT


The Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa'adat calls upon all Palestinian, Arab and democratic and progressive forces around the world to make the scheduled court hearing for Ahmad Sa'adat - November 25, 2008 - a day to put the occupation on trial!
Ahmad Sa'adat is a national leader of the Palestinian people, the General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and an elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and a Palestinian political prisoner alongside over 11,000 of his sisters and brothers. For over two and one-half years, Sa'adat has been imprisoned by the Israeli occupation forces, following the siege on Jericho Prison on March 13, 2006, in which Sa'adat and five other Palestinian political prisoners were abducted by the Israeli occupation military. The case of Ahmad Sa'adat is a critical case - a trial of a Palestinian national leader, facing the Israeli occupation and its military forces, the United States, Britain, and the Palestinian Authority. In many ways, it exemplifies both the commitment and steadfastness of Palestinian prisoners and the Palestinian people as a whole to uphold their rights and their dignity, and the collusion of forces - Israel, the US, Britain and the PA - to undermine those rights and attempt to destroy their resistance.
During those two and one-half years, Sa'adat has steadfastly refused to grant any legitimacy to the military courts of the occupation. His statements to the court have repeatedly underlined his approach to these military tribunals - rejecting their authority entirely as illegitimate and invalid, the attempts of the occupying authority to utilize a court system to continue its war against the Palestinian people, courts that are in no way systems of justice, but serve, rather, as yet one more mechanism and weapon of the Israeli occupation against Palestinian rights and freedom.
His trial has been postponed repeatedly, and the occupation forces have announced that they expect to complete their "case" against him on November 25 and refer the case for sentencing. It is therefore particularly urgent that the case of Ahmad Sa'adat - and his fellow Palestinian prisoners - receive the utmost attention and solidarity of people around the world at this urgent time.
It is particularly important to note that Ahmad Sa'adat and his comrades were kidnapped in an assault on the Palestinian Authority prison at Jericho, where he was held in a PA prison, at the behest of the U.S., Britain and Israel, and guarded over by U.S. and British guards. Sa'adat's case speaks directly to the dangerous and inexcusable practice of "security cooperation" on the part of the Palestinian Authority with the Israeli occupation, as well as to the leading role of the United States (and Britain) in the ongoing assault against the Palestinian people.
Ahmad Sa'adat, at the time of his kidnapping, had been held for over four years in a Palestinian Authority prison. Abducted after a staged meeting with PA security official Tawfiq Tirawi, a prime advocate and implementer of so-called "security cooperation" with the occupation forces, he was never charged with any crimes, was ordered released by the PA's own High Court, yet remained imprisoned, under U.S. and British guards, at the behest of and subject to the whims of Israel.
The policy of "security cooperation" dates to the earliest days of Oslo. A fundamental provision of those accords and, indeed, the very creation of the Palestinian Authority, was the agreement of the PA to act as a security force for the occupation, and clamp down, repress and imprison Palestinians who continued to struggle for their rights and for the liberation of their land and people.
To this day, "security cooperation" has continued to develop and strengthen, stretching to a present situation in which leading PA security figures share intelligence resources with the occupiers, raid and close Palestinian popular institutions, and make mass arrests on the direction of occupation forces, while holding meetings and coordination sessions with them in illegal Israeli settlements, pledging their willingness to imprison, arrest, torture and even wage military action against fellow Palestinians who refuse to comply with the demands and conditions of the occupation - setting themselves up as a modern-day South Lebanese Army or Contra force.
Following the 2006 PA elections, Israel no longer felt assured that the political prisoners in Jericho would remain there indefinitely at its behest, and arranged with the US and British guards for them to desert their position and allow easy access to an occupation military raid. For the entire time of his imprisonment, Sa'adat has been a prisoner of Israel and its occupation - as practiced on its behalf by the PA, the US, Britain and now Israel itself. It is the PA that held Sa'adat in the prison where he was forced to remain, vulnerable and visible to the assault of the occupation forces, keeping him in the view and the full knowledge of the occupation forces throughout that time, and the PA that bears responsibility for his abduction and for any and all penalties and consequences against him meted out by the occupier.
Ahmad Sa'adat's case is one that represents the pinnacle of security cooperation. In this environment, when the devastating consequences of security cooperation are on view, it is a necessity that the Palestinian Authority end its silence on Ahmad Sa'adat's case, escalate its actions on behalf of all political prisoners and completely end the unjustifiable, dangerous and criminal practice of "Security cooperation" and military/police actions on behalf of the occupation. It is particularly shameful to note that the PA held a celebration in honor of Tawfiq Tirawi only days before Sa'adat is to face the military court on November 25. The contrast between Tirawi and Sa'adat - collaboration or resistance, betrayal or steadfastness - could not be more clear, to the Palestinian people, or to the world.
Furthermore, the case of Ahmad Sa'adat once again lays bare the high level of responsibility of the United States, as well as Britain, for Sa'adat's case, the case of all Palestinian political prisoners, and, indeed, the entire Palestinian cause. The United States government provides Israel with over $10 million daily in aid - aid that goes to kill Palestinians, imprison them, expropriate land, build settlements and segregation walls, besiege Gaza and deny refugees' right to return. It was a US-made missile shot from a US-made helicopter, paid for by the people of the United States, that killed Abu Ali Mustafa and has killed hundreds of other Palestinians targeted for assassination. Palestinians are shot with US-made bullets from US-made rifles, Palestinian homes demolished by US-made bulldozers, and US-made tanks prowl Palestinian streets.
Furthermore, in its strategic alliance with Israel, the US has dedicated untold energies into attempting to destroy the Palestinian resistance. The US has imposed conditions upon the Palestinian people, participated enthusiastically in the isolation of Palestinians and an economic embargo against them, and poured money and resources into so-called "Security cooperation." Indeed, PA security forces are as much creations and employees of the United States as they are of Israeli intelligence. Israel has been a strategic partner of US imperialism for decades and is central to its attempts to shatter the Arab people, divide them, subject them to colonialism and reactionary rulers and US exploitation. The case of Ahmad Sa'adat - from the direct involvement of US guards, to the US weapons used against Abu Ali Mustafa and then in the siege on Jericho, to the US investment in the policy of "security cooperation" and the US direction of an international targeting of the Palestinian resistance, makes clear the direct responsibility of the U.S. not only for Sa'adat but for all Palestinian political prisoners.
Immediately prior to the Israeli assault on the prison, these U.S. and British guards abandoned their posts, clearing the way for the military attack. The US State Department blamed Palestinians for the siege, stating that the democratically-elected Palestinian Legislative Council leadership had indicated its willingness to release these illegally-held political prisoners. Said Sa'adat in a letter to the Palestinian people after his abduction, "The Quartet [US, EU, Russia and UN] provide a cover for occupation. What happened in Jericho Prison has made the British and US governments an integral part of the conflict and forever buried any illusions in their neutrality."
Following the US elections, there are tendencies that seek to place some sort of reliance upon the actions of the US, or of Israel after its own forthcoming elections. The case of Sa'adat only serves to highlight that the strategic alliance of the US and Israel is not one that benefits the Palestinian people and is, in fact, deeply dangerous to the Palestinian cause, and their elections will do nothing to alter this reality. However, this is a critical time for people in the United States to demand that their tax dollars and the US government cease its aid and support to Israel and end its strategic alliance and its war upon the Arab people, and November 25 is a key day to do exactly that, in the name of freedom for Ahmad Sa'adat and all Palestinian prisoners.

[from freeahmadsaadat website]

[Yehuda Stern]

It certainly would've been useful to hear of this earlier than the middle of the day in which it was supposed to take place.

[luchtoibre]

Events and activities in solidarity with Comrade Ahmad Sa'adat throughout the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the Arab world (updated)

The illegitimate military court hearing for Comrade Ahmad Sa'adat, General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was postponed once again by the occupation on November 25, 2008, until December 5, 2008. On the occasion of the hearing, events in solidarity took place throughout the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and the Arab world.
Many leaders, cadres and members of the PFLP, as well as many leaders of the national and Islamic factions and large crowds of supporters participated in the actions and demonstrations held throughout the day. A protest was held at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City. Comrade Dr. Mariam abu Daqqa, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP, spoke at the event, sending greetings of resistance and steadfastness to Comrade Sa'adat and pledging that the Front will uphold the prisoners and the resistance until the freedom of all prisoners and the achievement of our national rights.
Comrade Dr. Abu Daqqa condemned the crimes of the occupation against Comrade Sa'adat and the prisoners and called upon all forces for freedom, justice and peace in the world to uphold the cause of the prisoners. She emphasized the importance of national unity, stating that the only party to benefit from division is the occupier. She pointed to the assault on Jericho prison on March 14, 2006, a heinous crime against the General Secretary and the heroes Comrades Ahed Abu Ghoulmeh, Basel al-Asmar, Hamdi Qur'an and Majdi Rimawi, as they were kidnapped before the eyes of the world and with the active complicity of the U.S. and Britain.
Abdel Hamid abu Jiab, member of the Political Bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, also spoke at the rally, emphasizing that Sa'adat's rejection of the court is a symbol of his ongoing resistance and struggle for liberation and return.
In Ramallah, a sit-in took place in which hundreds of leaders, cadres, members and supporters of the Front, in addition to many national and social figures, representatives of unions and civil society institutions took place outside the ICRC headquarters in Ramallah, demanding the release of Comrade Sa'adat and all Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Comrade Abdel-Rahim Mallouh, Deputy General Secretary of the PFLP delivered a speech praising the struggle of the prisoners for freedom against the terrorist state of Israel. He called for the struggle of the prisoners to be a first priority for all national institutions. Comrade Khalida Jarrar, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP also spoke, condemning the unfair, unacceptable military courts and pointing to national unity as the means to support the prisoners, highlighting that the occupier makes no distinction as to the Palestinian factions and that the prisoners' unity has been an example for the entire national movement.
In Jenin, a protest was held in front of the ICRC office in solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat, led by veteran former political prisoners. The protest was held in conjunction with the Popular Committee for the Release of the Prisoners, the Prisoners' Society, and the Commission on Prisoners in Jenin province. A number of citizens, families of prisoners and women's groups in Jenin province participated in the protest and sit-in, raising the Palestinian flag and posters of Comrade Sa'adat. Protestors urged international institutions, particularly the ICRC, to pressure the Zionists to release Comrade Sa'adat and all of the prisoners.
Comrade Jaafar Abu Salah delivered a statement of the PFLP, and called for future events and actions in solidarity with the prisoners and emphasized the importance of national unity. Mustafa Malhis read a letter delivered to the ICRC by the Popular Committee for the Release of the Priosners and the Prisoners' Society and the Committee on Prisoners, holding the Israeli government fully responsible for the lives of the prisoners.
In Khan Younis, a mass rally took place in front of the ICRC office in which many national leaders, in addition to dozens of leaders, cadres and members of the Front, took place, calling for solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat. Nabil Agha, of Fateh, stressed that Comrade Sa'adat is on trial as a hero and a symbol of the national Palestinian struggle, and called for the intensification of efforts to support the prisoners. Hijazi Abu Shanab of the Palestinian Left Front, a member of the Central Committeeof the People's Party said that Comrade Sa'adat is not alone before the occupation court, but all of the Palestiniann people, the Arab nation and the international supporters of justice and freedom stand beside him and support him.
The Khan Younis protest delivered a letter to the ICRC calling upon it to hold the occupation accountable for the crimes against the prisoners and to work to secure their release. The protestors carried Palestinian flags and posters with the picture of Comrade Sa'adat, and chanted for the freedom of the prisoners, the victory of the resistance, and national unity.
In Syria, the Front organized a sit-in rally in front of the ICRC office and the office of the European Union in Damascus, calling for international action and support for the case of Comrade Sa'adat and all of the Palestinian prisoners.
Also in Syria, in Neirab refugee camp, a large meeting in support of Comrade Sa'adat was held in the office of the PFLP, drawing many of our people and activists in the right of return movement. Many representatives of Palestinian organizations spoke about the need to uphold the right of return and defend the prisoners, specifically paying tribute to the steadfastness of Comrade Sa'adat and his rejection of the illegitimate military court. Comrade Mohammad Hafiz spoke on behalf of the PFLP, stating that solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat is not with one man or one leader, but with all of the prisoners held inside the Zionist jails, and part of upholding our resistance and our national rights. He emphasized the importance of national unity and upholding Palestinian constants and national rights.
In the province of Rafah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine held a mass march under the slogan "No to the trial of the resistance! No to the illegal persecution of Sa'adat!" The march included many members and leaders of the PFLP and many other residents of Rafah.
Comrade Iyad Awadallah gave a speech on behalf of the PFLP, stressing the Front's loyalty to Comrade Sa'adat and all prisoners and martyrs of our people, and calling for national unity. He saluted Comrade Sa'adat as a leader traveling on the path of the martyr Abu Ali Mustafa, upholding resistance and resisting all compromise on our Palestinian national rights to end occupation and achieve liberation and return. He stressed that the leadership of the PFLP would remain faithful to the sacrifices and steadfastness of Comrade Sa'adat and the prisoners until the achievement of liberation and the establishment of a democratic Palestine on our entire national territory.
He saluted the achievements of the resistance, particularly the October 17 operation against notorious racist tourism minister Rehavam Ze'evi, and saluted the martyrs, including Abu Ali Mustafa, Yasser Arafat, Ahmed Yassin, and Fathi Shikaki.
Turkish organizations organized a series of solidarity actions with Comrade Sa'adat on November 25, in which many people - Palestinians, Turks, Arabs and internationals participated and attended a sit-in and delivered a letter to the Turkish Ministry of Justice. The protestors condemned the racist policies of the occupation and demanded the release of Comrade Sa'adat, and all prisoners from Israeli jails.

[luchtoibre]

solidarity with Comrade Ahmad Sa'adat (updated)

The illegitimate military court hearing for Comrade Ahmad Sa'adat, General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was postponed once again by the occupation on November 25, 2008, until December 5, 2008. On the occasion of the hearing, events in solidarity took place throughout the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and the Arab world.


Many leaders, cadres and members of the PFLP, as well as many leaders of the national and Islamic factions and large crowds of supporters participated in the actions and demonstrations held throughout the day. A protest was held at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City. Comrade Dr. Mariam abu Daqqa, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP, spoke at the event, sending greetings of resistance and steadfastness to Comrade Sa'adat and pledging that the Front will uphold the prisoners and the resistance until the freedom of all prisoners and the achievement of our national rights.

Comrade Dr. Abu Daqqa condemned the crimes of the occupation against Comrade Sa'adat and the prisoners and called upon all forces for freedom, justice and peace in the world to uphold the cause of the prisoners. She emphasized the importance of national unity, stating that the only party to benefit from division is the occupier. She pointed to the assault on Jericho prison on March 14, 2006, a heinous crime against the General Secretary and the heroes Comrades Ahed Abu Ghoulmeh, Basel al-Asmar, Hamdi Qur'an and Majdi Rimawi, as they were kidnapped before the eyes of the world and with the active complicity of the U.S. and Britain.

Abdel Hamid abu Jiab, member of the Political Bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, also spoke at the rally, emphasizing that Sa'adat's rejection of the court is a symbol of his ongoing resistance and struggle for liberation and return.

In Ramallah, a sit-in took place in which hundreds of leaders, cadres, members and supporters of the Front, in addition to many national and social figures, representatives of unions and civil society institutions took place outside the ICRC headquarters in Ramallah, demanding the release of Comrade Sa'adat and all Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Comrade Abdel-Rahim Mallouh, Deputy General Secretary of the PFLP delivered a speech praising the struggle of the prisoners for freedom against the terrorist state of Israel. He called for the struggle of the prisoners to be a first priority for all national institutions. Comrade Khalida Jarrar, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP also spoke, condemning the unfair, unacceptable military courts and pointing to national unity as the means to support the prisoners, highlighting that the occupier makes no distinction as to the Palestinian factions and that the prisoners' unity has been an example for the entire national movement.

In Jenin, a protest was held in front of the ICRC office in solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat, led by veteran former political prisoners. The protest was held in conjunction with the Popular Committee for the Release of the Prisoners, the Prisoners' Society, and the Commission on Prisoners in Jenin province. A number of citizens, families of prisoners and women's groups in Jenin province participated in the protest and sit-in, raising the Palestinian flag and posters of Comrade Sa'adat. Protestors urged international institutions, particularly the ICRC, to pressure the Zionists to release Comrade Sa'adat and all of the prisoners.

Comrade Jaafar Abu Salah delivered a statement of the PFLP, and called for future events and actions in solidarity with the prisoners and emphasized the importance of national unity. Mustafa Malhis read a letter delivered to the ICRC by the Popular Committee for the Release of the Priosners and the Prisoners' Society and the Committee on Prisoners, holding the Israeli government fully responsible for the lives of the prisoners.

In Khan Younis, a mass rally took place in front of the ICRC office in which many national leaders, in addition to dozens of leaders, cadres and members of the Front, took place, calling for solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat. Nabil Agha, of Fateh, stressed that Comrade Sa'adat is on trial as a hero and a symbol of the national Palestinian struggle, and called for the intensification of efforts to support the prisoners. Hijazi Abu Shanab of the Palestinian Left Front, a member of the Central Committeeof the People's Party said that Comrade Sa'adat is not alone before the occupation court, but all of the Palestiniann people, the Arab nation and the international supporters of justice and freedom stand beside him and support him.

The Khan Younis protest delivered a letter to the ICRC calling upon it to hold the occupation accountable for the crimes against the prisoners and to work to secure their release. The protestors carried Palestinian flags and posters with the picture of Comrade Sa'adat, and chanted for the freedom of the prisoners, the victory of the resistance, and national unity.

In Syria, the Front organized a sit-in rally in front of the ICRC office and the office of the European Union in Damascus, calling for international action and support for the case of Comrade Sa'adat and all of the Palestinian prisoners.
Also in Syria, in Neirab refugee camp, a large meeting in support of Comrade Sa'adat was held in the office of the PFLP, drawing many of our people and activists in the right of return movement. Many representatives of Palestinian organizations spoke about the need to uphold the right of return and defend the prisoners, specifically paying tribute to the steadfastness of Comrade Sa'adat and his rejection of the illegitimate military court. Comrade Mohammad Hafiz spoke on behalf of the PFLP, stating that solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat is not with one man or one leader, but with all of the prisoners held inside the Zionist jails, and part of upholding our resistance and our national rights. He emphasized the importance of national unity and upholding Palestinian constants and national rights.
In the province of Rafah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine held a mass march under the slogan "No to the trial of the resistance! No to the illegal persecution of Sa'adat!" The march included many members and leaders of the PFLP and many other residents of Rafah.

Comrade Iyad Awadallah gave a speech on behalf of the PFLP, stressing the Front's loyalty to Comrade Sa'adat and all prisoners and martyrs of our people, and calling for national unity. He saluted Comrade Sa'adat as a leader traveling on the path of the martyr Abu Ali Mustafa, upholding resistance and resisting all compromise on our Palestinian national rights to end occupation and achieve liberation and return. He stressed that the leadership of the PFLP would remain faithful to the sacrifices and steadfastness of Comrade Sa'adat and the prisoners until the achievement of liberation and the establishment of a democratic Palestine on our entire national territory.

He saluted the achievements of the resistance, particularly the October 17 operation against notorious racist tourism minister Rehavam Ze'evi, and saluted the martyrs, including Abu Ali Mustafa, Yasser Arafat, Ahmed Yassin, and Fathi Shikaki.
Turkish organizations organized a series of solidarity actions with Comrade Sa'adat on November 25, in which many people - Palestinians, Turks, Arabs and internationals participated and attended a sit-in and delivered a letter to the Turkish Ministry of Justice. The protestors condemned the racist policies of the occupation and demanded the release of Comrade Sa'adat, and all prisoners from Israeli jails.
In the Republic of Yemen, a forum was held on November 24 on political solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat, organized by the Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Forum. The event was attended by many university professors and students and social activits, as well as by Sudanese, Iraqis and Jordanians living in Yemen and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Yemen.

Comrade Abu Rajab, speaking as the representative of the Front spoke about the history of the Front and its leaders and heroes, including Al-Hakim, Dr. George Habash, the founder of the PFLP, and Comrade Abu Ali Mustafa, the martyred general secretary, as well as the heroic operation of October 17. He then discussed the life and history of Comrade Sa'adat and emphasized the importance of building solidarity with his case. He stressed upon the need to break the blockade of Gaza, and called for national unity to break the siege and an end to Arab cooperation and complicity with the siege.

A number of representatives from various national groups living in Yemen - Iraqi, Sudanese, Somalian and Yemeni - spoke, expressing solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat and solidarity with all prisoners and detainees and also with our besieged people.

In Lebanon, an event and demonstration to protest the illegitimate court hearing of Comrade Sa'adat was held by the Lebanese Left Front, as well as the PFLP, under the slogan "No to the trial of resistance ..... yes to resistance against occupation". Tents were set up with a photo display depicting the lives and reality of the prisoners in the jails of the occupation. The protestors continued to sit throughout the day on November 25, as many people attended, including many representatives of Palestinian and Lebanese factions, parties, commissions, civil and popular institutions and organizations.

During the protest many voices of solidarity were raised, emphasizing the illegality of the trial of Comrade Sa'adat and his comrades, and focusing on their case and the issue of prisoners in Israeli jails. Speakers also emphasized the urgency of national unity to confront the occupation, as well as the urgent need to break the siege upon our people in Gaza.

The demonstrators issued a letter of protest to both UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the International Committee of the Red Cross, calling on both to assume their responsibilities in defending human rights and justice, and to demand that the occupation forces release Ahmed Sa'adat, and all the prisoners in Israeli jails, held as prisoners for the freedom of their people.

The Popular Front in northern Lebanon called for a national day of action on November 25, and organized a protest to the Office of UNRWA, which was attended by representatives of Palestinian factions and popular committees of the camps of Nahr al-Bared and Beddawi, in addition to representatives of educational institutions.

Comrade Fathi Abu Ali spoke on behalf of the Information Office of the Popular Front about the importance of Comrade Sa'adat's case, and how his trial is serving as a trial of the resistance, emphasizing his utmost rejection of these illegitimate courts. Comrade Emad Odeh delivered a speech on behalf of the Front, paying tribute to Comrade Sa'adat on behalf of the masses of our people in Beddawi and Nahr al-Bared, and describing the life and the steadfastness and revolutionary commitment of Comrade Sa'adat, emphasizing the Front's commitment to continue upon his path. Referring to the bitter realities facing the Palestinian people in Palestine and Lebanon, he spoke of the need to end the division and build national unity in order for the Palestinian national movement to march toward victory in its struggle for return and liberation.

The Left Front in Lebanon also organized a campaign of solidarity with comrade Sa'adat, including a solidarity meeting in the Hall of Martyr Naji Al-Ali, the youth center in Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp, which was attended by a large crowd of political, social and educational activists and representatives of popular institutions. The meeting expressed its solidarity with Comrade Sa'adat and all prisoners in the Zionist jails, paying tribute to Comrade Sa'adat's steadfastness and his inspirational refusal to recognize the illegitimate courts of the occupation.

[luchtoibre]

Comrade Ahed Abu Ghulmeh sentenced to life in prison plus five years


Comrade Ahed Abu Ghulmeh, member of the Central Committee of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was sentenced to life imprisonment plus five years by the occupation military courts for his role in the heroic operation of October 17, 2001, in which the infamous Zionist racist tourism minister, Rehavam Ze'evi, was killed, and for membership in an "illegal organization," the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

The October 17 operation came in response to the assassination of Comrade Leader Abu Ali Mustafa, the General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, on August 27, 2001, by a US-made missile shot from an occupation helicopter into his office in Ramallah. It is a heroic example of the refusal of the resistance to the policy of assassinations practiced by the occupier against our national leaders and our people.

Comrade Abu Ghulmeh was abducted alongside Comrades Majdi Rimawi, Hamdi Qur'an and Basel al-Asmar, as well as Comrade General Secretary Ahmad Sa'adat, from the Jericho prison on March 14, 2006, when occupation military forces attacked the Palestinian Authority prison in which they had been held under US and British guard since 2002.

The PFLP denounced the sentence and the illegitimate military court that pronounced it, and all of the civil and military institutions of the occupation, noting that its decisions are invalid and void in the light of our people and international justice and humanity.

The PFLP said further that this unjust sentence will not terrorize our people nor will it undermine our determination to defeat the occupation and achieve all of our rights despite the murderous occupation and its sponsor in Washington, DC.

The PFLP statement pledged the commitment of the Front to Comrade Leader Abu Ghoulmeh, the heroes of the operation of October 17, Comrade General Secretary Ahmad Sa'adat and all of our leaders and activists in prison, to continue the struggle for liberation and the achievement of the national rights of our people, and our right to free our land of occupation and settlements, to achieve independence, self-determination and return, and adherence to democratic choice and national unity.

Comrade Khalida Jarrar, member of the Political Bureau of the PFLP, said that the "illegal Zionist court today issued an unjust sentence of life plus five years to Comrade Leader Ahed Abu Ghulmeh, accused of responsibility in the operation of October 17 and the killing of racist extremist Zionist tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi." She said further that "this trial is illegitimate and only promotes Zionist terrorism against freedom fighters," and called upon the world to condemn the illegitimate courts and the prisons of the occupation.

She called further upon the Palestinian people and Palestinian institutions and the national movement and the PA to keep the issue of the prisoners in the front ranks.

Comrade Abu Ghulmeh's wife stated that she is proud of her husband and that, despite the pain of separation, she is proud of him as a symbol of steadfastness and resistance, noting that these trials will not break the will of her husband nor of all the brave prisoners in the Zionist prisons.