4 December 2005

Auckland University Students for Justice in Palestine invite all Aucklanders to a vigil in Aotea Square in central Auckland at 6pm on Monday December 5. The vigil is to show the world that Harmeet Sooden and his fellow captors are peaceful men.

Harmeet was a member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and a friend to many in the group. SJP are calling on his captors to be merciful and release him and the other peace workers without harm. Harmeet is in Iraq solely for peaceful purposes and is passionate about taking an active role in giving humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.

We know Harmeet personally as a fellow university student, a gentle person who regularly joins our rallies and demonstrations in support of the Palestinian and Iraqi people. Harmeet Sooden is not a spy, nor is he an evangelist. He is a peace lover and an ardent supporter of the oppressed Iraqi and Palestinian peoples. To that end we ask all those who wish for his release to attend the vigil on Monday for quiet reflection, and to make contact with others who have concerns regarding the situation.

SJP Spokesperson Miriam Pierard said, "We are deeply troubled by the abduction of our friend and hope for his safe release. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of the captive men and also to the people of Iraq, whose suffering will no doubt increase if these innocent supporters of their cause are killed."

Media Release,
Auckland University Students for Justice in Palestine