rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/ensure-the-safety-and-freedom-of-jeremy-loffredo?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-ensure-the-safety-and-freedom-of-jeremy-loffredo' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Physicians for Humanity https://actionnetwork.org/groups/physicians-for-humanity https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg I am writing to express my ongoing concern regarding the situation of U.S. journalist Jeremy Loffredo, who, while recently released from Israeli detention, is still being prevented from leaving the country. His continued restriction, in light of troubling reports concerning the treatment of detainees in Israeli prisons, raises serious concerns about his rights and safety. I strongly urge you to take immediate diplomatic action to secure his safe passage out of Israel and ensure his full protection. The domestic NGO Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) has highlighted the concerning behavior of the Israeli Prison Service (IPS), describing it as increasingly "vindictive and punitive." These concerns have been heightened by numerous allegations of mistreatment, particularly following the events of October 7. Reports from human rights organizations and the media have detailed detainees being subjected to physical and sexual violence, intimidation, limited access to basic needs like food and water, and exposure to extreme conditions. These allegations, coupled with systemic failures to properly investigate such abuses, pose significant risks to those under Israeli custody. Of particular concern is the lack of transparency in Israel's laws, which allow the Shin Bet and police to interrogate individuals accused of "security offenses" without recording the interrogations. This practice obstructs judicial oversight and accountability, raising concerns about how individuals like Jeremy Loffredo may be treated under such opaque conditions. As a U.S. citizen and journalist, Jeremy Loffredo is entitled to protection under international humanitarian law, which recognizes journalists as civilians under Article 79 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions. Although he is no longer in detention, the restriction on his movement continues to violate his individual rights and raises broader concerns about press freedom. Journalists play an essential role in documenting conflicts and ensuring transparency, and such restrictions undermine their ability to perform this vital work. I respectfully request that you take immediate action to secure Jeremy Loffredo’s safe and unrestricted departure from Israel and remind the Israeli government of its obligations under international law to protect journalists and uphold their rights. His freedom to move and work as a journalist must be fully restored, and your intervention is critical to upholding these fundamental rights. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to ensure Jeremy Loffredo’s full freedom and safety. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ensure-the-safety-and-freedom-of-jeremy-loffredo