PA officials lobby for released prisoner to get medical treatment abroad
“Released prisoner Muhammad Al-Taj has postponed the beginning of his indefinite hunger strike. This [decision was made] after he received the Palestinian Presidency’s guarantees and [was told] that he will be sent for treatment abroad if he receives the consent of one of the European hospitals specializing in lung transplants. Minister of Prisoners’ Affairs, Issa Karake said… The subject of prisoner Al-Taj’s treatment had been raised a few months ago and a written request had been sent to several countries in order to provide him with the necessary treatment. However, his trip has been delayed due to the medical procedures adopted by these countries… [Minister] Karake noted that President Mahmoud Abbas is dealing with Al-Taj’s issue and said that he has instructed that the prisoner be treated whatever the price may be and in the place and time of his choosing. He made it clear that this depends on procedures in countries that perform such operations, contrary to talk about incompetence with regard to prisoner Al-Taj’s matter. On her part, District Governor of Ramallah and El-Bireh, Laila Ghannam, said that treating released prisoner Muhammad Al-Taj is a national duty that cannot be neglected.”
Note: Muhammad Al-Taj was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was released for medical reasons after serving two thirds of his prison term. PMW has been unable to verify the crime for which Al-Taj was imprisoned. However, all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisoners are convicted for security offenses and terror related crimes. According to the PA Prisoner's Law, the word "prisoner" is defined as "anyone imprisoned in the occupation's [Israel's] prisons as a result of his participation in the struggle against the occupation." (Ch. 1 of Law of Prisoners, 2004/19,www.alasra.ps, accessed May 9, 2011)
Note: Muhammad Al-Taj was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was released for medical reasons after serving two thirds of his prison term. PMW has been unable to verify the crime for which Al-Taj was imprisoned. However, all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisoners are convicted for security offenses and terror related crimes. According to the PA Prisoner's Law, the word "prisoner" is defined as "anyone imprisoned in the occupation's [Israel's] prisons as a result of his participation in the struggle against the occupation." (Ch. 1 of Law of Prisoners, 2004/19,www.alasra.ps, accessed May 9, 2011)