Update on Imprisoned Objectors by David Raban, New Profile 8:52am Wed Dec 18 '02 Last week was "human rights week" in Israel, and apart from the regular violations of human rights in the occupied territories, nine young conscientious objectors were imprisoned this week, two of them for the sixth time in a row. print article Dear friends, Last week was "human rights week" in Israel, and apart from the regular violations of human rights in the occupied territories, nine young conscientious objectors were imprisoned this week, two of them for the sixth time in a row. In Israel these days, war criminals sit in the government as ministers, while conscientious objectors are sent to increasingly longer prison terms, for the crime of believing in non-violence. These prolonged sentences and harsh treatment are a clear indication that the army is afraid. Afraid, because 300 young guys and girls declared that they will refuse to serve the occupation. Afraid, because there is a sharp rise in the numbers of draft resisters and reserve objectors, because more and more young men decide to avoid becoming soldiers but do not declare it openly. According to the army's spokesman the prison are completely full, and yet CO's are imprisoned for longer and longer terms, sentencing them many time for committing the same offence, with total disregard of international treaties, and in spite of the fact that a legal board appointed by the UN has recently declared repeated imprisonment as "arbitrary arrest". the army is trying to break the spirit of these brave young men , to force them to cat against their beliefs. And finally, I would like to quote the brave words of Yonathan Ben-Artzy, who, during his sixth and last (so far) trial, when asked if he has something to say replied " today I am on trial, but a day will come when you will be judged for your actions". He received and additional term of seven days because of this reply. And now to the update: At the moment there are 15 objectors in prison. But first, released objectors: Alon Hen, N.V., M.G., K.G., were released form prison no. six. There is no danger of them being imprisoned again in the near future. Yoni Yehezkel, draft resister, was released , but he is supposed to report again, probably to be imprisoned again. Currently in prison: 1. Dror Boymel, draft resister and a signatory of the 'senior's letter' , is serving a term of 28 days in prison no. 4, at the end if which he would spend 128 days . 2. Matan Kaminer, draft resister and a signatory of the 'senior's letter' , was sentenced to 28 days in prison no. 4. 3. Hillel Goral, draft resister and a signatory of the 'senior's letter' , was sentenced to 42 days in prison no. 4. he originally got 28 days, but 14 more days were added to his term because he refuse to cut his hair and to wear a uniform, and he was sent to the isolation ward for the same reason. It seems that there is an automatic procedure, that sends those who refuse to wear a uniform to the isolation ward, despite the fact that the law clearly states that only those who are " dangerous and rebellious who might incite other prisoners". It is obvious that not wearing a uniform does not fall within theses requirements. Conditions in the isolation ward are much harsher. The prisoners are badly treated in every way, they are locked up 23 hours per day inside a small chamber, under constant personal watch, often their belongings are taken from them during the day, and they are not allowed to make phone calls, except by special permission. Staying in the isolation ward is a tough experience. Please make it easier for Hillel by sending him letters, or even better, books, because that's about the only thing one can there! 4. Noam Bahat, also a signatory of the Senior's letter, was sentenced to 28 days in prison no.4. 5. Adam Maor, also a signatory of the Senior's letter, was sentenced to 28 days in prison no.4. 6. Yonathan Ben – Artzy, pacifist, was sentenced for the sixth consecutive time to 35 days in prison no. 4. 7. Uri Ya'akobi, also a signatory of the Senior's letter, was sentenced for the sixth consecutive time to 35 days in prison no. 4. 8. Haggai Matar, also a signatory of the Senior's letter, was sentenced to 42 days in prison no. 4. until this last term he spent 42 days in prison. 9. Eshel Hertzog, 23 years old, Total objector, Was sentenced to 28 days in prison no. 6, due to be released on 28.12. He works in education. 10. Dror Lotzaty, 33 years old OT objector, was sentenced to 18 days in prison no. 4. he is due to be released at 21.12 11. Itzik Shabt, OT objector, was sentenced to 21 days in prison no.6. He is due to be released at 21.12. 12. Uri Rotlevi, OT objector, was sentenced to 21 days in prison no. 6. He is due to be released on 27.12. 13. Ido Harrari, OT objector, a student and a journalist, was sentenced to 14 days in prison no. 6. He is due to be released on 22.12. 14. N.R. OT objector was sentenced to 28 days in prison no.6. 15. Shimri Tzameret, draft resister and a signatory of the 'senior's letter' was sentenced to 28 days in prison no. 4. What can we do? First of all, please circulate this message and the information contained in it as widely as possible, not only through e-mail, but also on websites, conventional media, by word of mouth, etc. Other recommendations for action: 1. Sending Letters of Support for Prisoners Please send the prisoners your messages of support to the addresses above or to: [Prisoner's name] POB 16238 Tel-Aviv Israel. Messages of support could also be sent to all imprisoned objectors by e-mail, at mailto:[email protected]. In addition to the letters of support, you can also send packages to prisoners (to counter the Israeli custom of sending gift packages to soldiers). You can use the POB above for that purpose. Note that there is no way to insert foodstuffs into the prison. Books, on the other hand, are the prisoner's best friends. 2. Letters to Authorities It is recommended to send letters of protest on behalf of the objectors to: Mr. Shaul Mofaz, Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence, 37 Kaplan St., Tel-Aviv 61909, Israel. E-mail: mailto:[email protected] or mailto:[email protected] Fax: ++972-3-696-27-57 / ++972-3-691-69-40 / ++972-3-691-79-15 Copies can be sent to the commanders of the prisons at: Commander of Military Prison No. 4, Military Prison No. 4, Military postal number 02507, IDF Israel. Fax: ++972-3-957-52-76 Another useful address for sending copies would be the Military Attorney General: Brig. Gen. Menachem Finklestein Chief Military Attorney Military postal code 9605 IDF Israel Fax: ++972-3-569-43-70 In the cases of draft resisters and conscripts it would be especially useful to send your appeals to the Commander of the Induction Base in Tel-Hashomer. It is this officer that ultimately decides whether an objector is to be exempted from military service or sent to another round in prison: Deborah Chassid Commander of Induction Base, Tel-Hashomer Military Postal Code 02718, IDF Israel. Fax: ++972-3-737-60-52 You can also protest to the local Israeli embassy, you can find the addresses on the web: http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfh/Eng/Ntz/Ntz_Israel.asp?seek=1&let=85 Copies of appeals in can also be sent to: Head of Incompatibles Unit Induction Base (Baqum) Tel-Hashomer Fax: ++972-3-737-67-05. Addresses of additional military and government officials, as well as those of some Israeli media, to which you can send copies of your appeals, can be found at this web address: http://www.newprofile.org/english/Summery_CO_01.html (see the bottom of the page). Please be aware that writing to the media at this time is more important than ever. A standard sample letter is available at the bottom of the same web page (http://www.newprofile.org/english/Summery_CO_01.html#sample). However it would be advisable to adjust your letter to the particular circumstances of the case. Thank you, David Raban, New Profile. www.newprofile.org/english add your comments Source file