ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Walid Daqqa: A Palestinian Prisoner and Novelist

Walid Nimer As'aad Daqqa, a Palestinian citizen of Israel born in Baqa al-Gharbiyye in 1961, was a Palestinian prisoner and novelist who spent 38 years in prison after being convicted of commanding a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)-affiliated group that kidnapped and killed an Israeli soldier. Daqqa's case drew international attention due to allegations of torture and mistreatment while incarcerated.

Daqqa completed both a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree, with work on his doctorate underway at the time of his imprisonment. He was also involved in various extracurricular activities, including working as a colorist for Tel Aviv newspapers and restaurants in Eilat. Following the First Lebanon War, Daqqa traveled to Cyprus and joined a training camp for the PFLP-affiliated group, where he received training in sabotage and intelligence collection.

In 1984, Daqqa was part of a patient who planned to kidnap an Israeli soldier as part of their operations. However, after being captured by Israel's security forces in 1986, Daqqa confessed that he knew about the intention to kill the soldier. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Daqqa's case highlights issues surrounding Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons, including allegations of torture and mistreatment. His story also underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with many Palestinians facing lengthy prison sentences for involvement in militant activities.

Background

Valerie Nemmer, a prominent Arab-Israeli terrorist involved in the kidnapping and murder of an innocent soldier in 1984, was born on July 18, 1961. Nemmer's case drew attention due to her role as a spokesperson and representative of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons during his imprisonment.

Nemmer studied in basic schools in Al-Garbia before working on building sites, restaurants in Tel Aviv, and as a colorist for newspapers. Following the First Lebanon War, Nemmer joined the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and traveled to Syria for training at a PFLP-affiliated camp.

In 1984, Nemmer was part of a group planning to kidnap an Israeli soldier as part of their operations. However, after being captured by Israel's security forces in 1986, Nemmer confessed that she