Terror victim’s family decries not being told about killer’s parole hearing

Terrorist Walid Daqqah is due for a parole hearing on Wednesday over his early release due to failing health, and not only were the family of his victim not informed about the proceedings, but the parole hearing is being streamlined, the niece of Daqqah’s victim told The Jerusalem Post yesterday.

“My uncle’s murderer has more time in prison, but is sick and requested to be released to the hospital,” said Ortal Tamam, niece of IDF soldier Moshe Tamam, who was kidnapped and murdered by Daqqah’s terrorist cell in 1984. “No one told us.”

Tamam said that, instead of being informed as required by law, they were told about the hearing by an attorney when the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist’s name was mentioned in a hearing on another matter.

Terrorist murderers usually have parole hearings before a special committee, while other inmates are heard by regular committees, said Tamam. She explained that testimonies from the Shin Bet and families needed to be given in special parole committees, but for unknown reasons Daqqah’s case would be heard before a regular parole committee. The victim’s niece said that Daqqah has a better chance of release by a regular parole board.

“Instead of paying for what he’s done, he’s being released early” at the expense of the family, said Tamam. She said that, on top of all that the family has suffered, they now need to fight this battle.

Tamam said “Everyone is shifting responsibility,” in response to inquiries about the family not being informed, and about Daqqah’s placement before a regular parole committee at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

“Its not just that they’re trying to release him behind our backs, its about how Israel treats terrorists,” said Tamam. Daqqah has “become a hero and leader of prisoners,” she explained. “He has been turned into a symbol against Israel” and “does whatever he wants in prison.”

According to the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, which Israel says is a front for the PFLP, Daqqah earned a master’s degree in political science and published books while in prison. The terrorist fathered a child with “liberated semen,” said Samidoun, seminal fluid smuggled out of a prison and used to impregnate his wife, who he married during his imprisonment. A play based on Daqqah’s life and writings was produced at the Haifa Al Midan theater.

“Since he’s been in prison, he’s using his charisma against Israel,” said Tamam. “Because of this, we need to be against his release. He hasn’t repented, he’s continued to support terrorism in prison.”

Palestinian organizations have championed Daqqah as a cultural and political icon.