Nael Barghouthi, the longest-held Palestinian prisoner, was denied release in a hearing at Ofer military court on Wednesday, 4 January. An Israeli military committee is currently deciding whether or not to reinstate his previous life sentence, on the basis of secret evidence. Barghouthi, 59, has served a total of 36 years in Israeli prison. He was released in 2011 as part of the Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner exchange with over 1,000 fellow Palestinian prisoners. Israeli military order 1651 declares – in violation of the exchange agreement – that an Israeli military committee can reinstate the prior sentence of any Palestinian released in an exchange agreement on the basis of secret evidence. Nael Barghouthi was ordered to 30 months in prison, a sentence that expired on 17 December. In 2015, the Israeli military prosecution appealed the sentence, demanding his original life sentence be re-imposed. No decision has been made in the case by the committee. His lawyers appealed for his release, but on Wednesday, 4 January, it was denied, reportedly on the basis that Barghouthi may escape, when it is likely his former sentence will be restored, according to the military court. His wife, brother and lawyer emphasized their commitment to appeal this to the Supreme Court. It's particularly important now to build public pressure for Nael's case. Please do share this petition with your friends and colleagues and encourage them to sign and take action to stop this injustice.