ISRAEL: Conscientious Objector Omar Saad imprisoned

Today Omar Saad, a conscientious objector in Israel, has been imprisoned.

At 18-years-old Omar Saad declared his refusal to serve in the Israeli Army in Tiberias. He was sentenced to 20 days in prison for his refusal.

You can send a protest email here.

'I will not be a soldier in your army'
In his refusal declaration says "I, Omar Zahr Eldin Mohammad Saad, will not be the fuel to the fire of your war, and will not be a soldier in your army." Read the full declaration here.

Omar also explains his position in this film: 'I will not be a soldier in your army'.

Ignoring international standards
Omar Saad claims his human right to conscientious objection, as guaranteed by Article 18 of the ICCPR. In a decision from January 2007, the United Nations Human Rights Committee recognised the right to conscientious objection as a legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as guaranteed by Article 18 ICCPR.

Solidarity
You can send letters of support to:
Omar Saad
Military ID 08143090
Military Prison No. 6
Military Postal Code 01860, IDF
Israel
Fax: +972-4-9540580

Since the prison authorities often block mail from reaching imprisoned objectors, we also recommend you to send them your letters of support and encouragement via e-mail to Omar through New Profile, at messages2prison@newprofile.org.

War Resisters' International calls for letters of protest to the Israeli authorities, and Israeli embassies abroad. An email letter to Israel's Minister of Defence can be sent at /node/22750.

A list of Israel's embassies abroad can be found here.

War Resisters' International calls for the immediate release of conscientious objector Omar Saad, and all other imprisoned conscientious objectors.

Hannah Brock
War Resisters' International