Tuesday 14 December 2010

Sheikh Raed Salah released from Israeli prison


Sheikh Raed Salah, the influential leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel, a preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque and a passenger on the Mavi Marmara humanitarian aid ship, was released from Israeli prison on Dec. 12 after serving a jail sentence of five months.


13.12.2010 - Sheikh Raed Salah released from Israeli prison
Hundreds of people carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags greeted Salah as he was freed from the Ayalon Prison in Ramle.

Sheik Salah was sentenced three and a half years ago after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest near Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem, al-Quds. But many believe the arrest was carried out for political reasons to prevent the Sheik from communicating with Palestinians on issues central to their cause.

He preferred to be jailed to serving for Israel

Israel had proposed Salah to serve his jail term by serving at Israeli institutions; however, he rejected Israel’s proposal and preferred to serve in jail. It was reported that Salah who continues fighting for protection of Aqsa Mosque and Muslim dignity wrote three books in jail.

‘Prison was like heaven for me’

Addressing his supporters in front of the Israeli prison, Salah said: “The prison was like heaven for me. My days were filled with prayers and they passed very well.” Salah also wanted all Muslim brothers who are persecuted in the jail to be released as soon as possible. Salah had been banned form entering Aqsa Mosque in 2007 and the ban is still valid.