Sit-in in solidarity with Muhammad Al-Qiq at Birzeit University

Birzeit University administration, Workers’ Union, and students organized, on February 17, 2016, a sit-in in solidarity with its former student and head of students council, Journalist Muhammad Al- Qiq, who has been on hunger strike since November 25 against his administrative detention in the Israeli prisons.

Protestors called for immediate and unconditional release for Al-Qiq and all prisoners as key to the realization of justice and comprehensive peace. They demanded all academic institutions and international organizations to work together to promote and implement campaigns of boycott and sanctions against Israel and its illegal measures against Palestinians.

“Palestinian journalists have been on the frontline and Al-Qiq is now experiencing forceful and abusive measures from the Israeli occupation because he practiced his normal right of speech and freedom of expression”, University President Abdel Latif Abu Hijleh said.

On behalf of the Workers’ Union, Salem Thawaba demanded that officials should urgently interfere to end Al-Qiq’s torture. He stressed on the importance of unity and reconciliation for AL-Qiq’s sake and all Palestinian prisoners.

Representatives from the students council assured the students movements will never stop its solidarity events to support Al-Qiq and all prisoners who are going through a legal struggle on behalf of the whole nation for the sake of the Palestinian cause.