Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, was reportedly beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards during a transfer between Ganot and Megiddo prisons, according to his family. The 66-year-old is serving life sentences for planning deadly attacks against Israelis and is known as a significant figure in Palestinian politics.
Reportedly, eight guards assaulted Barghouti on 14 September, leaving him bleeding and unable to walk after the attack. His son Arab stated that multiple released detainees have corroborated their father’s account of the attack, and the family expressed horror over the allegations.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has rejected these claims, asserting that their operations comply with the law and prioritize inmate safety. However, Arab Barghouti believes the absence of surveillance cameras in the area where the attack occurred was intentional, allowing the guards to act without being recorded.
Barghouti has been imprisoned since 2004, receiving five life sentences plus an additional 40 years for orchestrating attacks that resulted in civilian deaths. His name is significant in the context of negotiations between Hamas and Israel regarding hostage exchanges, with Barghouti being a prominent figure desired for release amid ongoing conflicts.
His treatment in prison has drawn attention, particularly comments from far-right Israeli officials, who have publicly criticized Barghouti and boasted about worsening prison conditions for him and other Palestinian prisoners. The incident raises serious questions about the treatment of political prisoners within the Israeli justice system and continues to evoke a strong emotional response among Palestinians and human rights advocates.
