The Archbishop of York has visited the family of Layan Nasir, a 25-year-old Palestinian Christian woman imprisoned by Israeli forces, despite having no charges against her.
Most Rev Stephen Cottrell shared homemade coffee and cake with Layan’s parents, and prayed for their daughter.
Layan was a member of St Andrew’s Church, Birzeit. She is currently being held under “administrative detention” for the third time.
Charges against her were only brought in September, for alleged involvement with an illegal student group in 2020. However, representatives for Layan insist the student body she was part of was a harmless stationary club.
Her parents, priest, and lawyer have not been permitted to speak to her since she was detained at a “routine” court hearing.
Archbishop Stephen told the Church Times it was an “honour” to meet the Nasir family.
A provisional release date has been set for March.
“I hope that when she is released, she will be able to get on with her life as a sweet young lady,” Layan’s mother said.