🕊️ Free Palestinian Prisoners
An advocacy toolkit to support Palestinian prisoners facing execution, torture, and unlawful detention — and take meaningful action.
⚠️ Urgent: Palestinian Prisoners Under Threat of Execution
Hundreds of Palestinian detainees are held under military orders without fair trial. Reports by human rights groups document extrajudicial killings, torture, and denial of due process. International law forbids execution without a fair and transparent legal process.
What is Administrative Detention?
Israel holds thousands of Palestinians under “administrative detention” — imprisonment without charge or trial, based on secret evidence. Detainees can be held indefinitely, reneweable every 3–6 months with no end in sight. This practice is condemned by the UN and international human rights bodies as a violation of international law.
Reports of Deaths in Custody
Since October 2023, human rights organizations including Addameer, Al-Haq, and the UN have documented dozens of Palestinian prisoners dying under Israeli detention — from torture, medical neglect, and summary killings. These deaths may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law.
✊ How You Can Help Right Now
Every action matters. Here are concrete steps you can take today to advocate for Palestinian prisoners facing execution and unlawful detention.
🌐 Key Organizations Working on Palestinian Prisoner Rights
These groups document abuses, provide legal aid, and advocate internationally. Support and follow them.
✉️ Write to Your Government Representative
Personal letters to elected officials are among the most effective advocacy tools. Use the template below and personalize it.
📝 Template — Edit and personalize before sending:
💡 Tips for Effective Letters
• Address your local MP, senator, or parliament member by name
• Mention you are a constituent/voter — it carries weight
• Keep it under one page
• Request a written response
• Follow up if you don’t hear back within 2 weeks
• Share your experience on social media to inspire others
⚖️ International Law Protections for Prisoners
These are the key legal frameworks that apply to Palestinian prisoners — and that Israel is accused of violating.
📜 Geneva Convention IV (1949)
Protects civilian populations under occupation. Prohibits collective punishment, arbitrary detention, torture, and execution without a fair trial. Israel as an occupying power is legally bound by this convention.
🏛️ UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)
Absolutely prohibits torture under any circumstances — including during armed conflict or “security” emergencies. Israel ratified this convention in 1991 and is legally obligated to uphold it.
🌍 International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR)
Guarantees the right to a fair trial, the right not to be detained without charge, and the right to life. Administrative detention — holding people without charge or trial — violates these core provisions.
⚖️ Rome Statute / International Criminal Court
The ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes and crimes against humanity. In 2024, the ICC prosecutor sought arrest warrants related to the Gaza conflict. Prisoner abuse can constitute war crimes under the Rome Statute. You can submit evidence to the ICC at icc-cpi.int.
🚨 What Counts as a War Crime?
Under international law, the following acts are war crimes when committed against prisoners:
• Torture or cruel treatment
• Execution without a fair trial
• Deliberate medical neglect
• Denial of family visits and legal counsel
• Enforced disappearances
• Taking and killing hostages
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