American sentenced to life in prison by Palestinian court for selling land to Jews reportedly released
“Issa Amro, a prominent activist from Hebron, called on PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to resign and accused him of bringing shame upon the Palestinians” after Issam Akel released from prison.
It is dangerous to one’s life for a Palestinian to sell land to a Jew.
Under Palestinian Authority law, the offense is punishable by prison or death, and in the law of the Palestinian street, it is an almost certain death sentence.
We previously reported on the case of Issam Akel, a dual Palestinian and American citizen, who received a life sentence for selling a house in the Old City of Jerusalem to a Jewish organization, Palestinian court sentences American to life in prison for selling ‘West Bank’ land to Jews.
While the Old City is part of Israel, the Palestinian Authority does not recognize Israeli sovereignty and seeks to impose its laws.
Reuters reports that Akel has been released:
The Palestinian Authority has handed over to U.S. authorities an American-Palestinian it had sentenced to life imprisonment for violating a ban on selling land to Israelis, two senior Palestinian officials said on Sunday.
“Issam Akel holds an American passport and he was handed over to the U.S. authorities upon their request,” one senior security official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
A second official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed Akel’s release.
The Jerusalem Post reports that the reported release has angered many Palestinians, including Issa Amro:
The Palestinian Authority is facing sharp criticism from Palestinians following reports that it has released a Palestinian-American man who was recently sentenced to life in prison for his role in the sale of an Arab-owned house in Jerusalem to a Jewish organization….
According to the report, Akel was handed over to US officials at the headquarters of the PA’s General Intelligence Service on January 15.
Palestinians first became aware of the release of Akel from a report by Gal Berger, Palestinian affairs Correspondent for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation KAN. Berger reported last week that Akel was released as part of a secret agreement between between the PA and the US….
On Sunday, Hamas strongly condemned the reports about the release of Akel and accused the PA of committing a “big national crime.” Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for holding accountable those responsible for the release of the Palestinian-American citizen.
Many Palestinians took to social media to condemn the PA over the reported release of Ake. They expressed fear that the move would encourage other Palestinians to sell their properties to Jews.
“The Palestinian Authority made a mistake,” said Rasem Obeidat, a political analyst from east Jerusalem. “The decision paves the way for any Jerusalem resident with US citizenship to sell more properties in Jerusalem, without fearing punishment.”
Hiba al-Natsheh, a political activist from Hebron, commented: “For the first time in history, a life sentence lasts for only a few weeks.”
Several Palestinians pointed out that Akel was released while the PA continues to hold many Palestinians in prison for “politically-motivated offenses.” Issa Amro, a prominent activist from Hebron, called on PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to resign and accused him of bringing shame upon the Palestinians.
Issa Amro, who is close friends with Code Pink’s Ariel Gold, was the subject of a post of ours, Issa Amro is no “Palestinian Gandhi”.
Israel National News reports that a Palestinian lawmaker calls the sale of land to a Jew a national crime:
Hassan Kharisha, a member of the Palestinian parliament, on Saturday condemned the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) decision to release an American citizen suspected of helping to sell land to Israeli officials….
Kharisha said on Saturday that the sale of Palestinian land to Israelis was “a national, legal, moral and religious crime” and that it required punishment.
Anyone who lightens the sentence of those who helped to transfer land to Israelis is a partner in the sale of Palestine and Jerusalem, he added.
This is an important point. When it comes to the ethnic cleansing of Jews from areas beyond the 1949 Armistice Line, there is no meaningful difference of position between Palestinian “peace activists” and Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
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Comments
I’m still waiting for somebody to publicly ask racists like Tamika Mallory or Linda Sarsour if they think it’s acceptable for ‘oppressed’ Palestine to criminally prosecute people that sell land to Jews.
GOPe scum like paul ryan and mcconnell are supposed to do that.
That goddam corrupt rat Mcconnell was too busy attacking Republicans for statements that were accurate:
“In the interview, King questioned how the comments on white nationalism became so “offensive.” “Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?” he asked.”
The Turtle takes the left’s marching orders and sells us out again:
Mitch McConnell signals it’s time for Steve King to go:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mitch-mcconnell-signals-its-time-for-steve-king-to-go
And that is what he was and deserved to be attacked for. What do you claim is “accurate” about it? If you don’t think white nationalism is offensive then you are a racist, plain and simple. There is no “white nation”, outside the world of white supremacists.
“Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for holding accountable”
I agree, people need to be held accountable. Can we now start incinerating members of Hamas, without concern for collateral damage. from what I see, the majority of palestinians approve of Hamas. hamas itself does not recognize the difference between Jewish civilians, so palestinians should be held fully accountable.
When I read the headline I thought they released him into the Palestinian area. That would be a death sentence.
This may make things difficult for future people accused of selling land. Those people may just be killed on the spot. Even if they are innocent. Mob justice is not known for being fair.
Mob injustice is an innate part of Muslim’s faith.
This poor sod will never leave that prison alive, he’ll be used as blackmail against America. Soon these beasts will receive their rewards for all the monstrosities they’ve persecuted the world with. Them, their wives and grandmothers and children. Gone. Cinder’s on the valley floor.
He’s already left alive.
It’s in the story.
“According to the report, Akel was handed over to US officials at the headquarters of the PA’s General Intelligence Service on January 15.”
Look at what Islam has done to the Egyption culture, once great, today a bad joke.
That guy should count his lucky stars Trump is President Bd not that other accident otherwise he’d be dead by now and Barry would still have his feet up on the desk.
“Barry would still have his feet up on the desk…”
What? — He’s be trying to play golf.
I’ve always loved the concept of ebonics. If you can’t speak actual English, throw in the race card and make up your own idiot-speak. Get a racist “professor” from California to endorse it and you’re home free. There’s no way it will perpetuate stereo-types or be the subject of mockery. It’s also a sure-fire way to land that big job. /s/
Not speaking clear English is a sure path to limited employability.
ebonics,eh?–silly me, all this time was thinking ” obama ” was kenyan for ” shyte. “
RWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACIST!!!
Because ORANGE MAN BAD!!!