Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Multiple conflicts across the Middle East region have necessarily occupied much international attention in recent times. These include the conflict in Syria and the rise of Daesh and their impact on Europe. However, I continue to stress at EU and international levels the importance of retaining a focus on the continuing Israel–Palestine dispute.

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy, on which NGOs supported by Ireland have been actively engaged. I am not in a position to take a definitive view on the substance of the case. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, to which the defendant belongs, has clearly an involvement in violent actions, and some of the evidence was given in secret. However, there are grounds for serious concern about the basis for this conviction. The person involved is a member of the Palestinian Parliament, and it does not appear that any suggestion has been advanced or proved of her involvement in violent activities. The offences she was charged with seem to relate to political protest against the occupation and occupation policies.

Ireland has drawn attention for some time to its concern that, increasingly, criminal prosecutions are being taken by Israeli authorities against non-violent political protesters, and that there is an increase in the use of live ammunition against Palestinian demonstrations. I have asked our missions in the area to monitor and report on this case. We will continue to make the case that if legitimate protest is treated in the same way as violence, it will only play into the hands of those who advocate violence. We will continue to make known our concerns about the treatment of protest and protestors, in this case and more widely.

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