Ofer - Health Problems, Membership/activity in unauthorized association

Translation: Marganit W.

Judge: Major Kamal Zaharaladin

Defense: Atty. Ismail Tawil

Defendant: Safaa Abu-Sneina

Why Report on Women

Safaa Abu-Sneina is one of 7 Hebron women arrested on charges of being members of “The Hebron Women Committee.”

They are all accused of membership in Hamas.

Safaa was arrested on 18.6.18 and is kept at Damon Prison.

Her husband, her brother and a family friend all attended the hearing. The husband and the brother are barred from visiting her in prison because they were once prisoners themselves (As they said to me, “Who has not been a prisoner?”).

The attorney moved for postponement in order to continue negotiations with the prosecution. He pointed out that the detainee has medical issues (Right before her arrest she had undergone a stomach operation). The prison sent her to have medical tests, but she is not receiving the correct dosage of the medication her condition requires.

The next hearing was set for 17.6.19.

In his decision, the judge ordered a copy of the protocols to be submitted to the medical authorities at the holding facility, and recommended allowing her a phone call home (her mother is sick and cannot visit her in prison).

So, “Why Report on Women”:

At present, there are 45 women at Damon. They vary in ages, personal status, and socio-economic background: they are academics, students, homemakers etc. Some have serious medical problems but do not receive proper treatment, not to mention those with mental problems who are given only tranquilizers.

The situation at Danom Prison is abysmal: life-endangering electricity failures, dampness, old, rundown equipment etc.

Some of the women are in prison because of abuse and violence at home: they felt that the only solution for them is to be incarcerated. They are victims of both the patriarchy and the occupation.

This is why I feel compelled to report on the women and to be present at their hearings.