Since this statement was first published, Ahed Tamimi has been formally charged with 12 criminal offenses by Israeli authorities. This is yet another outrage that has been met with condemnation around the world as people continue to demand her freedom. Ahed has demonstrated amazing strength and courage while in Israeli custody.
Statement posted Dec. 21, 2017
Soldiers of the Israeli military stormed the West Bank home of 16-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi in the early hours of Dec. 18, kidnapping her and taking her into custody. Despite her young age, Tamimi has long been a courageous participant and well-known leader in protests against the brutal Israeli occupation.
Tamimi is from the village of Nabi Saleh, a small village outside of Ramallah that has become famous for its steadfastness in the face of Israeli oppression. Hundreds of residents have been injured by Israeli forces since these protests began in 2009, which were held on a weekly basis for three years despite intense repression. The arrest of Ahed Tamimi is a desperate and failed attempt to tamp down this resistance.
Outrageously, Tamimi is far from the only child to be taken into custody by Israel. According to Defense for Children International - Palestine, "Each year approximately 500-700 Palestinian children, some as young as 12 years, are detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system. The most common charge is stone throwing." This is a particularly disgusting aspect of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Since her abduction, Israeli forces have also arrested Ahed's parents Nariman and Bassem, as well as her cousin Nour. The ANSWER Coalition demands the immediate release of Ahed Tamimi, Nariman Tamimi, Bassem Tamimi and Nour Tamimi, and an end to the targeting of their family. We are committed to continuing the struggle until Palestine is free!