Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, was reportedly beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards on September 14, according to his family. The 66-year-old, who is serving multiple life sentences for planning attacks against Israelis, was allegedly assaulted by eight guards during a transfer between Ganot and Megiddo prisons.
The Israel Prison Service refuted the family's claims, asserting that they operate in accordance with the law and prioritize the safety of all inmates. Barghouti’s son, Arab, relayed testimonies from five detainees who witnessed the incident, expressing the family's horror at the attack.
According to Arab, Barghouti was handcuffed, placed on the ground, and kicked extensively. He reportedly lost consciousness for hours, faced bleeding, and struggled to walk after the abuse. Arab believes no surveillance captured the incident due to the absence of cameras at the locations involved.
Barghouti, convicted in 2004 of orchestrating attacks resulting in five civilian deaths, is viewed by many as a potential leader capable of uniting Palestinians. Despite being a key player in the Fatah party, he has been in solitary confinement since October 2023.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the assault allegations but acknowledged that he takes pride in the worsening of Barghouti's prison conditions. The recent claims have intensified discussions surrounding Barghouti’s status and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Barghouti is named in calls from Hamas for the release of high-profile prisoners, although Israel has resisted such demands.
The Israel Prison Service refuted the family's claims, asserting that they operate in accordance with the law and prioritize the safety of all inmates. Barghouti’s son, Arab, relayed testimonies from five detainees who witnessed the incident, expressing the family's horror at the attack.
According to Arab, Barghouti was handcuffed, placed on the ground, and kicked extensively. He reportedly lost consciousness for hours, faced bleeding, and struggled to walk after the abuse. Arab believes no surveillance captured the incident due to the absence of cameras at the locations involved.
Barghouti, convicted in 2004 of orchestrating attacks resulting in five civilian deaths, is viewed by many as a potential leader capable of uniting Palestinians. Despite being a key player in the Fatah party, he has been in solitary confinement since October 2023.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the assault allegations but acknowledged that he takes pride in the worsening of Barghouti's prison conditions. The recent claims have intensified discussions surrounding Barghouti’s status and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Barghouti is named in calls from Hamas for the release of high-profile prisoners, although Israel has resisted such demands.
