Calls for release of Aberdeen University lecturer held in Israel

ACADEMICS have called for the release of Aberdeen University lecturer Dr Karolin Hijazi who was reportedly detained on a trip to Israel earlier this week.

The University and College Union (UCU) urged Foreign Secretary William Hague to demand the safe return of Dr Hijazi, who was held along with other pro-Palestinian campaigners.

The union said Dr Hijazi, a senior lecturer at the university, flew to Tel Aviv on 14 April with the intention of visiting Bethlehem.

Along with a number of other pro-Palestinian campaigners, Dr Hijai was detained by the Israeli authorities.

It has been reported that she was among a group of activists due to be deported by Israel today.

UCU President Terry Hoad said: “UCU is urging the Foreign Secretary to demand that Israeli authorities release Dr Hijazi, and wants the UK Government to protest in the strongest terms at the Israeli authorities treatment of pro-Palestinian campaigners”.