| Mohammed was the operations manager for World Vision in Gaza, deemed a humanitarian hero by the UN. Then one day, without warning, Israeli forces arrested him. He was accused of diverting millions of dollars in aid, much donated by the Australian government, to armed groups. World Vision and the Department of Foreign Affairs conducted comprehensive audits, neither of which found evidence any funds were diverted. Mohammed’s trial was drawn out for years, held behind closed doors in a trial that was neither fair nor transparent. Mohammad was offered a plea deal for time served if he would just plead guilty. Mohammad refused because he is innocent and because he understands that a guilty plea would be used by Israel in its efforts to close down humanitarian support for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza strip. Last year Israel found Mohammed guilty, sentencing him to 12 years in prison. World Vision said the sentence was deeply disappointing and in sharp contrast to the evidence and facts of the case, and that they are fully supporting his appeal. The imprisonment of Mohammed is clearly intended to chill any advocacy or even humanitarian support for Palestine or the Palestinians in Gaza. For his birthday this year, Amnesty International in Australia and APAN are organising an online wall of solidarity – all you need to do is upload a photo of yourself with #Free Mohammed – and we’ll make sure Mohammed and his family get your message. Post your birthday solidarity selfie |
