Walid Daqqa
Writer who spent 38 years in Israeli prisons
- Born
- 1961
- Born in
- Baqa al-Gharbiya, Palestine
- Path
- Resistance
Why Walid is here
Walid Daqqa's long imprisonment and activism make him a significant figure in the Palestinian narrative, symbolizing resilience and resistance.
Their story
Walid Daqqa (1961–2024) was a Palestinian writer from Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Arrested in 1986, he was convicted over the 1984 abduction and killing of the Israeli soldier Moshe Tamam, which he always denied, and spent 38 years in Israeli prisons, one of the longest-held Palestinian prisoners.
His prison writings and life inspired the play The Parallel Time. He also wrote the children’s novel The Tale of the Oil’s Secret. Diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2022, he was refused release on medical grounds and died in custody on 7 April 2024, aged 62. As Amnesty International reported in May 2024, Israeli authorities were withholding his body from his family.
Milestones
The moments that shaped Walid’s path.
1986
Imprisonment in 1986
Daqqa was arrested and sentenced to 37 years in prison for his involvement in the killing of an Israeli soldier.
1999
Marriage in 1999
He got married while in prison.
2020
Fathering a Child in 2020
Daqqa managed to father a child, Milad, by smuggling his sperm out of prison.
2022
Diagnosis of Bone Marrow Cancer in 2022
He was diagnosed with advanced bone marrow cancer.
2018
Extended Sentence
Received a further two-year sentence in 2018, beyond the original term that ended in March 2023.
Legacy
What they built, changed and left behind.
Education
Obtained his master's degree in political science while imprisoned.
Advocacy for Prisoners' Rights
Became a prominent figure in the Palestinian prisoners' movement.
Symbol of Defiance
His marriage and fatherhood while in prison symbolize resistance against Israeli jail authorities.
Inspiring Cultural Works
His life and experiences inspired the play “A Parallel Time,” reflecting his and fellow prisoners' experiences.
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Walid in interviews, talks and coverage.
01Literary Contributions↗
Further reading
- amnestyusa.orgAmnesty Internationalamnestyusa.org/press-releases/death-in-custody-of-walid-daqqah-is-cruel-reminder-of-israels-disregard-for-palestinians-right-to-life
- newarab.comThe New Arabnewarab.com/news/israel-returns-cancer-stricken-palestinian-writer-prison
- amnesty.orgAmnesty original pre-death urgent actionamnesty.org/en/documents/mde15/7798/2024/en
- amnesty.orgAmnesty original post-death updateamnesty.org/en/documents/mde15/8027/2024/en
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