FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Update: International Activists Set Free After Tree Chaining
5 May, 2005
Six International peace activists arrested in the West Bank Village of Bil'in for chaining themselves to imperiled olive
trees along side Palestinian and Israeli activists, were set free today.
On 4 May, residents of the village of Bil'in near Ramallah organized a non-violent protest against the annexation Wall
where they were joined by Israelis and Internationals in chaining themselves to the olive trees while others
demonstrated. Bil'in farmers had received notice the previous day that eighty five olive trees would be uprooted to make
way for the illegal Wall and called for International and Israeli support. After a stand off that lasted four hours, the
Israeli military using excessive force cut the chains and dragged away twelve of the non-violent protesters, arresting 6
Internationals and 5 Israelis. All the Palestinians who were initially detained were all released. All 5 arrested
Israelis were released after agreeing not to return to Bil'in for 15 days.
The deportation hearing scheduled for the six International Activists this morning never took place.
Instead, after holding them for over 26 hours, the police made an offer reportedly from the Israeli Ministry of the
Interior that they be released under the condition that they would not enter a closed military zone. To which all agreed
save one who was also released.
When asked why he participated in the protest by chaining himself to an olive tree, released activist Gabe Gao from the
United States, who is of Jewish descent, said: "The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel’s Separation
Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is illegal and must be dismantled. The confiscation of Palestinian land and
destruction of Palestinian property has nothing to do with 'security'. It is the responsibility of the international
community to pressure Israel to adhere to international law. Since my government is not taking action, I feel it is my
moral obligation to act in opposition to this crime."
The activists report being beaten and treated with excessive force during their arrest by Israeli Boarder Police and the
Israeli Defense Force citing video and photographic evidence (available upon request). Greek activist, Maria, requested
medical attention for a blow to the head and injuries to her legs and arms sustained during the arrest. Instead She was
brought to an interrogation room and repeatedly insulted with racial slurs. She received medical treatment only after 12
hours and repeated requests. Initially she was informed by Israeli ambulance drivers that the fee for thorough treatment
would be 350 NIS, but eventually she was treated without charge. The Greek consulate is intervening in order to obtain
her medical records which the Israeli police have refused to release.
ENDS