Despite multiple venues refusing to host the event, a church in the Belgian capital, Brussels, opened its doors to a political and human rights gathering marking Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, held under the title: “Justice for Prisoners – You Are Not Alone.” The event delivered a clear message: attempts to silence solidarity will not succeed.
The gathering brought together prominent international lawyers and human rights activists, including Abdelmajid Mraari, known for pursuing legal action against Israeli officials before the International Criminal Court, and Haifa-based lawyer Hassan Abbadi, a long-time defender of Palestinian prisoners’ rights.
Also participating was Belgian human rights lawyer Alexis Deswaef, widely recognized for his strategic use of Belgian and European legal frameworks to challenge Israeli crimes. Deswaef has been actively involved in solidarity movements and public mobilizations, and recently took part in the “Global Sumud Flotilla” to Gaza. He was detained by Israeli forces and held for five days alongside Palestinian prisoners.
During the event, special tribute was paid to Deswaef for his commitment and presence on April 18, 2026, in Brussels, as a symbol of legal and grassroots solidarity with Palestinian prisoners.
Participants also highlighted the role of journalist Sami Karmal Al-Saie, describing his work as instrumental in breaking the silence and fear surrounding prisoners’ issues. Through sustained media engagement, he has helped expose systemic abuses and challenge attempts to politically exploit the prisoners’ cause.
Belgian lawyer John Vervloet also contributed a significant legal intervention, stressing the urgent need to confront impunity and activate European and international legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable.
Speakers emphasized that the issue of Palestinian prisoners has evolved beyond a national cause into a global human rights concern, particularly in light of ongoing violations inside Israeli occupation prisons, including administrative detention, torture, and medical neglect.
They further underscored the critical role of international solidarity movements in breaking the isolation imposed on prisoners and sustaining legal and political pressure for accountability.
The event concluded with a powerful musical performance, blending political expression with cultural resistance, and reaffirming that the voice of freedom persists despite all attempts at suppression.
