House debates

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Statements by Members

El Halabi, Mr Mohammad

1:32 pm

Photo of Tony ZappiaTony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I draw the House's attention, and in particular the government's attention, to the plight of Mohammad El Halabi, who, for over five years, has languished in an Israeli jail. Mohammad is the father of five young children. He was a long-time employee and manager of World Vision in Gaza at the time of his arrest in June 2016. His work colleagues state that Mohammad had been assiduously nonpolitical. He is accused of diverting $50 million of aid money to Hamas. Several independent reputable audits, including, I understand, an Australian DFAT investigation, found no evidence to support that accusation. His arrest, detention and court appearances to date have been described as shambolic and lacking transparency. His trial is secretive and held behind closed doors. His lawyers do not have access to relevant prosecution documents.

Australia is a friend of Israel. World Vision is a reputable global Christian aid organisation. World Vision, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and others have all called for Mohammad's release. I call on the Australian government to stand up for human rights and to call on the Israeli government to release Mohammad El Halabi or, at the very least, ensure that he has a fair, transparent and early trial.