Canadian activist Victor MacDiarmid, who was arrested at a non-violent demonstration against the construction of the apartheid wall in Ni’lin on the 23rd July, will be deported in the immediate future
He is currently being held in Maasihau Detention Center, but after his deportation hearing today (27th July) he will be deported on the next available flight. This is despite no formal charges being brought against him or him being given the chance to defend himself before a judge.
Victor was arrested with Jamal Amirra, the father of the girl who filmed the Israeli army shooting a bound detainee in Ni’lin. Jamal is currently being held in Ofer Military Detention Center awaiting a court hearing, while Victor is being held in Maasihau Detention Center, with the Israeli authorities having started deportation proceedings. This is despite him not being brought before a judge so as to be able to challenge his arrest and be given the opportunity to a fair trial.
Both Victor and Jamal were observing the women only demonstration against the construction of the apartheid wall in Ni’lin when the Israeli army attacked the demonstration using extreme violence. Amirra went in to protect the demonstrators, while Victor MacDiarmid, a Canadian citizen, took photographs. The two men were arrested within minutes, both physically assaulted. Victor has reported that he was repeatedly punched, kicked and spat on for around twenty minutes before being taken into police custody for interrogation. At this point, the police informed Victor’s lawyer that he had declined legal representation, a statement that Victor strongly denies.
Interviewed on Palestinian TV hours before the demonstration, Jamal Amirra’s daughter expressed concern that her family would be targeted by the Israeli army due her film being publicized. Her footage was broadcast throughout the world and has caused shock waves in Israel, where a soldier has been arrested and an official investigation launched.
Victor MacDiarmid is from Kingston, Ontario, and has twice been shot by rubber-coated steel bullets while attempting to take in supplies to Ni’lin during a recent a four-day Israeli army blockade of the village.