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Palestinian Prisoner Marwan Barghouti Allegedly Beaten in Israeli Prison
Prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti was beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards during a transfer between facilities on September 14, according to claims made by his family. The 66-year-old prisoner, who is serving multiple life sentences for his role in planning attacks against Israelis, was reportedly assaulted by eight guards while being moved between Ganot and Megiddo prisons.
The Israel Prison Service has categorically denied these allegations, telling the BBC: “These are false claims (fake). The Israel Prison Service operates in accordance with the law, while ensuring the safety and health of all inmates.”
Barghouti’s son, Arab, told reporters that the family received consistent testimony from five recently released detainees who heard Barghouti’s account of the incident. According to these sources, guards handcuffed Barghouti, forced him to the ground, and proceeded to kick and beat him.
“They focused on the head area, they focused on the chest area and also on the legs,” Arab Barghouti said. “He stayed unconscious for hours, he was bleeding, and he could hardly walk.”
The family believes the alleged assault occurred during the transfer between the two prisons, located in southern and northern Israel respectively, specifically because there would be no surveillance cameras to document the incident.
Marwan Barghouti has been imprisoned since 2002 and is currently serving five life sentences plus 40 years after an Israeli court convicted him in 2004 of planning attacks that resulted in the deaths of five civilians. Since October 2023, he has been held in solitary confinement.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions following the recent prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. The witnesses who reported the alleged attack were among those Palestinians released as part of Monday’s exchange, which saw the release of 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Barghouti’s name had featured prominently on Hamas’s list of seven high-profile prisoners whose release was sought in exchange negotiations, but Israeli authorities refused to include him in the deal. His exclusion underscores his continued significance in Palestinian politics.
Often described as the “Palestinian Nelson Mandela” by supporters, Barghouti is widely considered one of the few figures who could potentially unite Palestinians across factional lines. Despite his long imprisonment, he remains a senior figure in Fatah, the faction that dominates the Palestinian Authority governing parts of the occupied West Bank.
Opinion polls have consistently shown him to be the most popular Palestinian political leader, with surveys indicating he would likely defeat both current Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leaders in a presidential election.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who oversees the prison service, has denied the assault allegations but stated he was “proud” that Barghouti’s prison conditions had deteriorated under his watch.
The allegations follow a controversial incident in August when footage emerged showing Ben Gvir confronting Barghouti in his cell. The 13-second video, which marked the first public glimpse of Barghouti in years, showed him appearing gaunt and aged.
In the clip, Ben Gvir is heard telling Barghouti: “You will not win. He who messes with the people of Israel, he who will murder our children, he who will murder our women, we will wipe him out.” As Barghouti attempts to respond, Ben Gvir adds: “You need to know this, throughout history.”
The Palestinian Authority condemned this video interaction, with Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh describing it as “the epitome of psychological, moral and physical terrorism.”
The alleged assault and ongoing treatment of Barghouti highlights the contentious nature of high-profile security prisoners in Israel and raises questions about detention conditions at a time when prisoner exchanges and treatment continue to be central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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7 Comments
This is a concerning report about the alleged assault on a prominent Palestinian prisoner. While the details are disputed, any claims of prisoner abuse should be thoroughly investigated to ensure the humane treatment of detainees. It’s crucial that all sides remain transparent and accountable on this sensitive issue.
This is a troubling report that deserves careful scrutiny. While the details remain disputed, any allegations of mistreatment in prisons must be taken seriously. An impartial investigation could help shed light on the facts and ensure the proper treatment of all inmates, in line with international standards.
Allegations of violence against a high-profile prisoner are bound to be controversial. While the details remain murky, any claims of mistreatment in prisons should be taken seriously and thoroughly examined. Maintaining transparency and accountability on both sides is crucial in this sensitive matter.
This is a complex and sensitive situation that warrants a measured response. The authorities’ denial of the allegations is noteworthy, but the family’s account also merits consideration. A thorough, impartial investigation would help shed light on the facts and ensure proper treatment of all inmates.
If true, this incident would be a troubling violation of prisoners’ rights. However, the Israeli authorities have strongly denied the allegations. More information is needed to determine the full facts of what occurred. Maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all inmates should be the top priority.
Prisoner abuse claims can be difficult to verify, especially when they involve high-profile detainees. The conflicting narratives underscore the need for an objective investigation to determine what actually occurred. Upholding the rights and wellbeing of all prisoners should be the top priority, regardless of their status.
Prisoner abuse allegations are always serious and warrant careful scrutiny. Given the conflicting accounts, it’s important to get a clear picture of what happened through an impartial investigation. The rights and dignity of all detainees must be protected, regardless of the circumstances.