Lawyer: Israel planning to force-feed hunger-striking Palestinian
If Mohammed Allaan is subjected force feeding, it will be the first recorded case of the action since the Knesset passed a law allowing the practice late last month.
By JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: AUGUST 8, 2015 18:30A handout supporting a Palestinian hunger striker.(photo credit: Courtesy)
The lawyer of a hunger-striking Palestinian said Saturday that Israeli authorities are planning to force feed his client, according to AFP.Mohammed Allaan, an accused Islamic Jihad member, has been detained without charge since November and was "at immediate risk" of death after fasting for over 50 days, The International Committee of the Red Cross warned Friday.If Allaan is subjected to force feeding, it will be the first recorded case of the action since the Knesset passed a law allowing the practice late last month.While speaking with AFP, Allaan's attorney Jamil al-Khatib said Israeli judicial officials "informed me of the intention to proceed with the force feeding of Mr Allaan," adding, "I have informed him of this but it does not alter his intention to continue his strike."The law, passed on July 30, allows the prison's commissioner to ask the attorney- general and the president of a district court for authorization to have a doctor force-feed a prisoner on a hunger strike – if the doctor finds that the strike would cause irreparable damage or the prisoner is in immediate, mortal danger. The request can only be made after trying to get the prisoner to agree to the treatment, and the court must hear the prisoner’s position on the matter. The force-feeding would take place via a feeding tube or infusions, and a prison guard can use reasonable force if the prisoner resists.Last month, Israel freed Islamic Jihad member Khader Adnan after a 56-day hunger strike that brought him near death, AFP added.Khaled Abu Toameh and Lahav Harkov contributed to this report