Is the High Representative aware of the case of the Palestinian human rights lawyer and activist, Anas Barghouti?
Mr Barghouti supports the human rights of Palestinian prisoners and has regularly called for the peaceful expression of political views. He was first arrested on 15 September 2013 when travelling through a military checkpoint north of Bethlehem. After being held without charge for over one week, Mr Barghouti was then charged with two offences. The first was ‘membership in the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine’, and the second ‘leadership of a committee to organise demonstrations’. Mr Barghouti denies both of these charges and is considered by Amnesty International to be a prisoner of conscience.
Could the High Representative please comment on this situation? Israel has been accused of systematically harassing Palestinian human rights organisations, including arbitrary detentions, restrictions of movement and raiding homes or offices. Could the High Representative also comment on these accusations?