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<p>On 9<sup>th</sup> April the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued the
following short statement in response to the news that Layan Nasir, a member of an
Anglican congregation in the occupied West Bank, had been arrested by Israeli forces.</p><p>“I’m
shocked and deeply concerned by this news. Together with our Palestinian Christian
brothers and sisters, I pray for Layan and her family - and for the congregation of
St Peter’s Anglican Church in the Occupied West Bank. Please pray for Layan’s safety
and swift release.” The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, joined the Archbishop’s
call for prayers and her release.</p><p>On 28th April the Archbishop renewed his appeal
for the release of Layan Nasir, who I understand is being held in Damon Prison, in
Israel. A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace told Sky News:</p><p>“He is deeply concerned
to learn that she is now facing administrative detention for four months, without
charge and with no due process for her, her family, or lawyers to challenge this.
Such processes against what is already a deeply threatened minority are contrary to
commitments given over the years. This, along with daily harassment of Christian laity
and clergy in East Jerusalem, indicates the predicament that many Christians now face
in the West Bank and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As the Occupying Power,
the State of Israel is obliged by International Law to protect those at risk.”</p><p>The
Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, met with members of the family of Layan
Nasir last week during a visit to the Occupies Palestinian Territories. I understand
from Church House officials that conversations are ongoing with both the Israeli and
the British Government regarding Layan Nasir’s release from administrative detention.</p>
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