PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
26.5.00

LIBERATION OF LEBANON:
RELEASE ALL PRISONERS OF FAITH!
After 22 years of oppression and torture.

IHRC welcomes the liberation of South Lebanon. IHRC also welcomes the end of the notorious concentration camp and torture centre Al-Khiam. This shows that the policy of the oppression of people in the name of security does not pay. Therefore IHRC calls upon Israel to end its policy of hostage taking, torture, illegal expulsion and demolition of homes and end the occupation of Palestine.

IHRC further asks the Israelis to release the Lebanese detainees including Sheikh Abdul Karim Obaid and Mustafa Dirani. IHRC chairman, Massoud Shadjareh in a letter to Robin Cook with regard to the visit of Israeli Interior Minister, said:

“The proposed visit of Natan Sharansky is a great opportunity for the British Government to highlight that Israel should unconditionally release all Lebanese hostages, including Sheikh Obeid and Mustafa Dirani. Britain must break its silence over Israel’s terror tactics, including hostage taking, torture, house demolition and the displacement of millions of Palestinians.

“Your officers public statements and representations over the plight of these hostages, should be as vociferous if not more so, than for the 13 Iranian Jews accused of spying by their Government. These alleged spies who are Iranian citizens , have at least been charged, granted legal representation and released on bail.”

For more information, please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8902 0888 or mobile (+44) 958 522 196 , e-mail: ihrc@dial.pipex.com.