UPDATE -
- Jordanian's General Intelligence Directorate (GID) are still detaining my father. They have allowed my mother and the lawyer to see him, but have at the same time indicated charges may be forthcoming through its military courts. This is despite the fact that my father has not lived in Jordan since 1997 and has not undertaken any political activity in Jordan since then.
- This is a very serious matter given the GID's poor track-record and the absence of the rule of law.
- A letter has been sent to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, signed by various Australian Muslim Community Sheikhs, organisations, community leaders, and personalities, in support of the release of my father.
- We therefore implore upon the Australian Government to prevent the farcical of a trial. Allowing the trial to proceed in a country which does not believe in the rule of law is worrying to say the least.
- The Australian Government must secure the release of my father, Ismail Alwahwah, as a matter of urgency, who arrived in this country under the protection of political asylum.
A copy of the letter:
TO: Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop
RE: Arbitrary Detention of Ismail Alwahwah in Jordan
Dear Minister Bishop,
We write this letter to express our concern regarding the detention of Ismail Alwahwah in Jordan on Wednesday 25 July 2018.
Ismail was detained upon arrival at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport whilst flying with his wife for the purpose of visiting family in Jordan. A week later, Ismail’s condition and whereabouts are still unconfirmed, and he has consistently been denied both legal representation and visits from his wife. This is a violation of fundamental rights that all people should be afforded.
Ismail suffers from multiple health complications, and without the requisite medical attention we hold grave fears for his health and well-being.
Ismail is an Australian citizen and it is incumbent upon the Australian government to extend every assistance to ensure the protection of its nationals.
Moreover, Ismail arrived in this country under the protection of political asylum. The Australian government is aware of the history of persecution against Ismail at the hands of the Jordanian regime, including the fabrication of false charges, the practice of torture and the real risk of being met with a death sentence.
Whatever our position on Ismail’s politics, he is an honest and principled activist, a respected member of the community and a loved father, husband and grandfather.
We implore the Australian government to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Regards,
Anas Alwahwah
On behalf the family of Ismail Alwahwah
03 August 2018
Link: https://www.facebook.com/abumalek2009/posts/1868195909936674