Palestinian activist Musab Shtayyeh has been held for one year in arbitrary detention in the Palestinian Authority (PS) prisons, despite three court rulings ordering his immediate release.
Shtayyeh has been detained since September 19, 2022, over his anti-occupation activism. Despite three court orders to release him, he is still being held in PA custody.
A leaked image of Shtayyeh with visible signs of torture on his body sparked outrage from rights community.
His attorney, Osama Saad, expressed concern about Shtayyeh’s serious health deterioration, particularly in light of a leaked letter from Shtayyeh that the Al-Jazeera TV network published and which confirmed his poor health and detention circumstances following a difficult investigation.
“I am not sure if my letter will get to you or if it will stay locked up inside these walls,” the letter says. “Pen cannot express the pain and plight I am in.”
Since the first day of his detention, Shtayyeh has been on a hunger strike to ask for his release. He suffers from different health problems, including a thyroid disease.
Shtayyeh is one example of PA human rights violations where individuals are detained for long periods without a fair trial or subjected to arbitrary detention in violation of court orders.
The PA must stop these violations and uphold international law while also protecting the fundamental liberties of all of its citizens, including the right to justice and the freedom of expression.
