Stand in solidarity with Shadi Khoury
Update: 8 September 2025. Despite no evidence and consistent denials, Shadi Khoury convicted by Israeli military court on unsubstantiated charges of participating in a protest. Sentencing is scheduled for 15 December.
On 8 September, Shadi Khoury, a former student of Ramallah Friends School (RFS), will receive the judgement of an Israeli military court after facing unsubstantiated charges for nearly three years.
Arrested by the Israeli military in October 2022 when he was only 16, Shadi was charged with participating in a protest, charges he has consistently denied and for which there is no proof.
He was taken blindfolded and barefoot from his home and held for 40 days without the presence or support of his parents, enduring beatings, isolation and intense surveillance.
On July 17, the final hearing of the prolonged proceedings was brought before the Israeli military court, which will rule on 8 or 9 September.
Shadi has consistently denied involvement in any illegal activities, and the prosecution failed to produce any credible proof.
His case reflects a pattern where Palestinian youth are detained, interrogated, and prosecuted under an opaque military system that denies them basic legal protections.
Despite the circumstances, Shadi continued his studies under house arrest and graduated from 150-year-old RFS. Today, he is pursuing higher education at Birzeit University in Palestine.
The United Kingdom does not yet recognise Palestine as a state. But it has a non-accredited Consulate General in Jerusalem that represents the UK government in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza.
Those concerned with Shadi's case are asked to email their MP, urging them to ensure consular staff are at the court next week.
MPs could also be asked to advocate for the human rights of Palestinian children and to pressure Israeli authorities to end unjust military trials and arbitrary detentions.
Each year 500-700 Palestinian children are detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system. UNICEF has been raising concerns about their rights with the Israeli authorities since 2013.
Figures from Defense for Children International (Palestine) show that as of June 2025 there were 360 children aged 12-17 in military detention.
Paul Parker, recording clerk of Quakers in Britain, said: “Next week's hearing is not only about Shadi's future. It is also about the systemic injustice faced by Palestinian children.
“At Ramallah Friends School, Shadi learnt about nonviolent peace-making in line with Quaker values. Now we hold him, and all those who face injustice, in the Light, and pray that peace will prevail."
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