Hundreds of Palestinians start massive hunger strike in Israeli prisons – reports
From 700 to 2,000 or more inmates of Israeli prisons reportedly declared a hunger strike on Monday. The day also marks ‘Palestinian Prisoners’ Day,’ an annual event held in support of Palestinian political prisoners.
According to Israeli media, the strike was called for by Marwan Barghouti, who was sentenced to five life sentences for five murders plus 40 years for attempted murder. Barghouti has remained politically active behind bars and still is a high-profile leader of the Palestinian Fatah Party, with some even considering him as successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The inmates’ demands, issued by the incarcerated Fatah leader, include the installation of public telephones and television, restoration of bimonthly visits and academic studies, as well as an easing of visit conditions and duration. They are also calling for an end to solitary confinement and administrative detention.
Source: rt.com