Pro-Palestinian activist from Swansea detained in West Bank

The son of a Pro-Palestinian activist has said he “remains in the dark” after she was detained in the occupied West Bank.

Deirdre Murphy, who lives in Swansea, has been held in custody since 31 May when she was arrested in a southern part of the territory.

The 70-year-old, originally from Cork, Ireland, had been volunteering with the pro-Palestinian activist group International Solidary Movement (ISM) at the time of her arrest. The Israeli government has been approached for comment.

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, said he would do everything he can “to support a swift and just resolution” after raising concerns about Ms Murphy’s access to legal representation.

The West Bank – the land between the eastern edge of Israel and the western side of the River Jordan – is home to an estimated three million Palestinians.

Israel has occupied the West Bank – which Palestinians want as part of any future state – since the Six Day War of 1967, and is continuing to build settlements in the area.

These are regarded as illegal under international law although Israel rejects this position.

While Israel has military control of the West Bank, the Oslo Accords of 1995 gave the Palestinian Authority some administrative and security control over certain areas.

Ms Murphy’s son Dale Ryan told Radio Wales Breakfast his mother was “doing OK” but he remained “in the dark” about when he would see her again.

She was arrested last Saturday before being taken to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to her son.

He said she was then moved to Givon Prison in Ramla where she has been held since 3 June.

“She was detained after being accused of being in a military zone,” said Mr Ryan.

“Her and another woman, Susanne Björk, who are there with the ISM, were being questioned by the army.”

According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the pair were complying with the order before Israeli settlers, wearing military uniforms, called the police.

Mr Ryan, who lives on the Gower peninsula, said his mother was brought to a hearing on Wednesday “without any representation.”

“There is a lawyer acting on her behalf. Because it’s not a trial, they would have been there more as a witness, but she was denied access to her lawyer.” said Mr Ryan.

Mr Ryan said he had not “personally” spoken to his mothers since the arrest – instead receiving updates from her lawyer and ISM.

“My mother is quite a resilient person,” he said.

“But as the days go on, she is becoming fatigued, and probably a bit anxious about the whole situation.”

Mr Ryan said his mother has some chest problems, which is “concerning for us”, and he is desperate to “know she is in good health.”

According to an ISM press release, Ms Murphy has been involved as an activist in the region for over two decades and has been based in Swansea since the 1980s.

“She went to Palestine in 2004 after setting up a fundraiser where we walked around the Gower in four days,” according to Mr Ryan.

He said she wanted to “contribute” to the aid and facilities that were being developed at the time.

“In the last few years she has spent a lot of time in Masafer Yatta,” he added, which according to the press release, is where she got arrested.

Ms Murphy’s lawyer, Noa Dagoni told the BBC that the handling of the case has been “deeply troubling”.

“Since her detention at Givon prison, Ms. Murphy has been unable to contact me, despite multiple requests on my part and efforts from her side – the reasons for that remain unclear,” she said.

She said Ms Murphy had requested legal counsel for “the detention review tribunal hearing as well as representation during the hearing itself”.

But Ms Dagoni said that apparently “no actual access” had been granted which would “constitute a serious and unlawful violation” of Ms Murphy’s rights.

Ms Murphy’s local MP Bell said “hundreds of constituents” had contacted him with their concerns.

“I’ve been in touch with Deirdre’s family and am liaising with both the Irish government, who are providing consular support, and the UK Foreign Office, who have offered their assistance and stand ready to help further.”

He said he was “particularly concerned” that Ms Murphy may not have legal representation.

“We all want to see Deirdre released as soon as possible,” he added.

The Irish Embassy Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was “aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.”

It added that “the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not comment on the details of individual cases.”

The Foreign Office said: “We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7.”

Additional reporting by Shazia Ali