At a court hearing today, March 5th in Ramallah, Zakaria Zubeidi was acquitted of all charges in regards to the shooting at the house of the former Governor of Jenin, Kadura Musa, in May 2012. Zubeidi, who has repeatedly affirmed his innocence in relation to the allegations leveled against him, expressed his relief and gratitude towards the people who have stood by him throughout this ordeal.
Zakaria Zubeidi, who as a child was part of the children’s theatre established by Arna Mer Khamis in Jenin Refugee Camp, was later among the founders of The Freedom Theatre together with Arna’s son, Juliano Mer-Khamis.
In 2012 Zakaria Zubeidi spent five months in Palestinian Authority custody, during which he was subjected to torture and severe mistreatment. Numerous accusations were put forward during those five months and eventually Zubeidi was charged on participating in an attack on the home of the late Governor of Jenin, Kadura Musa.
Zubeidi held a series of hunger strikes during his imprisonment, and more than 3,000 people worldwide signed a petition calling for his release. Zubeidi was released on bail in October 2012 but the case was not closed until today.
Despite being released on bail in October 2012 and today being freed of all charges, Zubeidi has spent the last year in Palestinian prison in Ramallah. The reason for his incarceration is very unclear but involves threats against Zubeidi from the Israeli authorities. Numerous attempts of clarification have not been fruitful and Zubeidi is waiting for his situation to be resolved.
For interviews please contact Nabil Al-Raee, Artistic Director of The Freedom Theatre: [email protected], tel. +970(0)599968673
More on Zakaria Zubeidi’s case:
Zakaria Zubeidi released after international campaign
A message from Zakaria Zubeidi
Israel/Palestinian Authority: Theater Group Hit From Both Sides