Prison literature: A powerful voice of Palestinian resistance
Symposium in Amman discusses the significance of Palestinian prison literature as a vital form of resistance
AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) – A symposium titled Prison Literature was organized by the Department of Culture and Central Media of the Jordanian Democratic Popular Unity Party in Amman.Â
The event focused on the profound role of Palestinian prison literature as a form of resistance.
The event emphasized how the literary genre serves as a lifeline for Palestinian prisoners, preserving their identity and connecting them with the outside world.
Moderated by Ammar Al-Khatib, the symposium featured critic Dr. Muhammad Ubaidallah and novelist Abdul Salam Saleh.Â
Dr. Ubaidallah’s presentation, Prisoners’ Literature in Palestine, underscored how captivity has become a central theme in the Palestinian struggle against Zionist occupation.Â
He highlighted the staggering figure of over one million Palestinians imprisoned, a testament to the occupation’s systematic efforts to silence Palestinian voices while showcasing their ongoing resistance.
Dr. Ubaidallah explained that writing in prison is not a luxury but a necessity—a form of survival.Â
He stressed that prison literature is not merely about personal struggle; it transcends individual experience to address themes of identity, existential conflict, and colonial oppression.Â
Through their writing, prisoners challenge the occupier’s narratives and assert their right to exist.
Novelist Abdul Salam Saleh noted the growing recognition of Palestinian prison literature within Jordanian cultural institutions.Â
Initiatives like Prisoners Write, led by the Jordanian Writers Association, have highlighted the works of Palestinian prisoners through a series of dedicated events.Â
Other cultural organizations, including Naqsh Cultural and the Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Association, have played a crucial role in promoting these works.
Notable books discussed during the symposium include The Melting of Consciousness by Walid Daqqa and Echo of the Chain by Ahmed Saadat, which delve into the psychological effects of imprisonment.Â
Additionally, Rateb Haribat’s Why Don’t I See White addresses the medical neglect faced by prisoners, painting a stark picture of the abuse as a form of slow killing.
The event also celebrated the achievements of imprisoned novelists like Hussam Zahdi Shahin, Bassem Khandakji, and the late Walid Daqqa.Â
Their works reflect themes of resistance, identity, and the unbreakable spirit of Palestinian prisoners.
Looking ahead, the Jordanian Writers Association, in collaboration with the Union of Palestinian Writers and Authors, is preparing to host the first Arab conference supporting prisoners and their writings on April 16-17.Â
Palestinian prison literature continues to defy oppression, preserve cultural identity, and inspire solidarity worldwide in the pursuit of justice and freedom.
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