[The following update on the status of jailed Palestinian cartoonist Mohammed Abdel Ghani Saba`na was issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists on 1 March 2013. Below the update is an open letter from Saba`na`s family, published by Cartoon Movement on 25 February 2013.]
Update on Status of Mohammed Abdel Ghani Saba`na
A military court in the city of Ashkelon extended the detention of Mohammad Saba`aneh, a Palestinian cartoonist for Al-Hayat al-Jadida, on February 28, 2013, for a second time, according to news reports. His detention was extended for eight days, Al-Hayat al-Jadidareported citing the cartoonist`s lawyer.
Saba`aneh was arrested on February 16 while crossing the Allenby Bridge checkpoint from Jordan. His detention was originally extended for nine days on February 20. The cartoonist`s lawyer appealed the extension and requested permission to see the journalist, in what would be the first time since the arrest.
Israeli authorities said they were investigating the cartoonist for providing services to hostile organizations, according to the cartoonist`s lawyer. No formal charges have been announced.
The cartoonist has been transferred from the Jalemeh detention center to Ashkelon prison, according to news reports. Dozens of protesters staged a rally in front of the Al-Hayat al-Jadidabuilding on February 28, 2013, to show their support for Saba`aneh and other detained Palestinians.
Saba`aneh`s family issued an open letter that stated their concerns over his health and cited the recent death of Arafat Jaradat, a Palestinian man who died in Israeli custody under disputed circumstances.
Open Letter from Family of Mohammed Abdel Ghani Saba`na
We are the family of Mohammed Abdel Ghani Saba`na, who has been arrested by the Israeli Occupation Army as he was coming back home from Jordan through Al-Karama crossing. And since that day his lawyers was unable to meet him and all their requests were rejected.
We – Family of Sabaaneh – and after the death of “ARAFAT JARADAT” during investigation by Israeli army, at Aljalameh compound or after that in Majeddo prison, We appeals to all parties especially humanitarian organizations all around the world to interfere fast to help us visiting our son to check on him and his safety we appeal to them to work hard to save our our Son and all prisoners from the Occupation prisons to end their suffering by lifting their case up to international forums to assure their safety and their legal rights.
Family of Sabaaneh
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English version of the letter was approved by Adel Sabaaneh, brother of Mohammad Sabaaneh