The most prominent Palestinian prisoner, Marwan Barghouti, was reportedly beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards on September 14, according to his family. The 66-year-old is currently serving life sentences for his involvement in planning attacks against Israelis.
During a transfer between Ganot and Megiddo prisons, it is claimed that Barghouti was assaulted by a group of eight guards. The Israel Prison Service, however, has dismissed these allegations as 'false claims', asserting it complies with laws governing the treatment of inmates.
Barghouti's son, Arab, expressed horror upon learning about the incident from five detainees recently released who relayed his father’s account. He described how his father was handcuffed, taken to the floor, and subjected to kicks and blows, particularly focusing on his head, chest, and legs. After the attack, Barghouti remained unconscious for extended periods and appeared to have significant injuries.
This incident took place during a transfer, which Arab believes was timed to evade surveillance, suggesting the absence of cameras in that area might have facilitated the assault. Barghouti is serving a total of five life sentences plus an additional 40 years following his conviction in 2004 for orchestrating attacks that resulted in civilian casualties.
The discussion around Barghouti has intensified following Hamas's negotiations with Israel for prisoner exchanges, where Barghouti's name topped the list of high-profile prisoners their release was sought. However, Israel reportedly rejected this demand.
Polls consistently indicate Barghouti's popularity among Palestinians, suggesting that his leadership could unify various factions within Palestinian society. His political significance is underscored by his continuous influence within the Fatah party, which governs parts of the occupied West Bank. Presently, he remains in solitary confinement.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has publicly denied that Barghouti was assaulted, yet he reiterated his satisfaction with the worsening conditions of Barghouti's imprisonment. In a recent video, Ben Gvir was seen taunting the prisoner, a moment that has been criticized as a further form of psychological aggression against Barghouti.
The Palestinian Authority has condemned these actions, with officials characterizing the behavior of Israeli authorities as an escalation of psychological and moral terror against Palestinian figures.
