The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainee Affairs, along with the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, have reported a disturbing incident involving Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political leader and member of the Central Committee of Fatah. Barghouti, detained in Megiddo prison, was allegedly attacked by Israeli prison staff, resulting in injuries to his head, ribs, and arms, with bleeding from his ear and severe pain in his upper body. The assault reportedly occurred in a solitary confinement cell on September 9, 2024. This was revealed during a lawyer’s visit to the prison, where it was noted that Barghouti had been denied medical assistance, causing persistent ear infections and affecting his mobility. For detailed information, see the original article.
In response to the allegations, the Israel Prison Service (IPS) has stated that Barghouti’s claims have been investigated judicially, with the courts finding no legal violations by the IPS. The IPS emphasizes that detainees have the right to file complaints, which will be thoroughly investigated by official authorities. This statement was provided to Agence France-Presse, as reported by The Guardian.
Palestinian prisoner rights groups are urging international organizations to take action to protect Barghouti and other detainees. These groups claim that more than half of the 9,000 Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons were involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. Barghouti, who was arrested by Israel in 2002 and is serving five life sentences for his role in the Second Intifada, could potentially be included in a hostage-prisoner exchange deal. Learn more about the broader implications of these incidents in Barron’s coverage.