6 December 2024
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani says she was delighted and relieved to hear the news that Palestinian Christian, Layan Nasir has been released after being imprisoned for eight months without charge by Israeli authorities.
Layan Nasir pictured with her twin brother Basil, following her release.
During Bishop Guli’s visit to Israel and Palestine in May, she spent time with 23-year-old Layan’s mother, Lulu, and older brother Kamal, who are members of St Peter’s Anglican Church in the town of Birzeit.
They told her how Layan was seized in a dawn raid and taken into “administrative detention” - a system in which people can be taken into custody without evidence being presented against them.
After returning to the UK, Bishop Guli placed a candle in her chapel and pledged to pray for her every day until her release, remembering also all those held in detention in places of conflict, including the Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Speaking on Thursday 5 December, after hearing news of Layan’s release, Bishop Guli said:
“I was delighted and relieved to hear the news of Layan Nasir's release which will mean so much to her family, her church community and all who have been praying for her. In amidst the constant stream of challenging news, my prayer is that this will be a sign of hope for others waiting to be reunited with loved ones.
“Since my visit to Israel and Palestine in May, when I met with Layan's family, a candle has been burning in my chapel and every day I have prayed for her. I look forward to confirmation that she is home with her family, at which point the candle will be extinguished with thanksgiving. But my prayers will continue for peace with justice for all those affected by this conflict.”