Al-Qalam 
The South African Palestinian Movement (SAPM) expresses grave concern over
the continued detention of the “Sumud Four” and calls on the Tunisian
authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally.
The prolonged detention of these four humanitarian activists, who sought to
advance the humanitarian cause of the Palestinian people, is deeply
troubling. Their continued detention, together with the reports of hunger
strikes and the resulting risks to their health and wellbeing, requires
urgent international attention.
SAPM calls upon the Government of Tunisia and the relevant Tunisian
authorities to act immediately to secure the release of the “Sumud Four”
and to ensure that, pending their release, they are treated humanely, have
full access to legal representation and independent medical care, and are
afforded all protections guaranteed under international law.
With a court hearing scheduled for this week, SAPM urges the Tunisian
authorities not to allow the detention of the “Sumud Four” to continue
indefinitely.
SAPM further calls upon the Government of the Republic of South Africa,
through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO),
to intensify its diplomatic intervention with the Tunisian authorities and
to use every appropriate diplomatic avenue available to secure the
immediate release and safe return of the “Sumud Four”
South Africa has consistently affirmed its commitment to international law,
human rights and the protection of humanitarian actors. We therefore urge
South Africa to stand firmly with those who have placed themselves at risk
in pursuit of humanitarian solidarity with the Palestinian people.
SAPM also calls upon governments, parliamentarians, human-rights
organisations and civil-society movements across the world to raise their
voices and demand:
* The immediate release of the “Sumud Four;”
* An end to their prolonged detention;
* Full access to their lawyers and independent medical professionals;
* Protection of their health and safety; particularly in light of the
hunger strike;
* Respect for their fundamental human rights and due process;
* Urgent diplomatic action to facilitate their safe return.
The “Sumud Four” must not be forgotten.
Their continued detention is not merely a legal matter. It is a
humanitarian matter that demands an urgent response.
SAPM stands in solidarity with the “Sumud Four” and all those committed to
humanitarian assistance, freedom, justice and the rights of the Palestinian
people.
South Africa Palestine Movement (SAPM)
