Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, was allegedly beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards during a transfer between Ganot and Megiddo prisons, according to family claims. The incident reportedly occurred on September 14, involving eight guards and resulting in Barghouti suffering visible injuries.
Barghouti, 66, is serving several life sentences for planning attacks that killed five Israelis. In response to the allegations, the Israel Prison Service has stated that claims of abuse are false, asserting that they operate within the law and prioritize the health and safety of all inmates.
Family members received testimony from five released detainees who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, describing Barghouti as injured and unable to stand. His son expressed deep concern over the conditions in which his father was kept, especially given the lack of surveillance cameras in the transfer area.
Barghouti's distinguished political background includes his role in the Fatah party and a broad appeal among Palestinians as a potential unifying figure amid ongoing division. His name was reportedly excluded from a recent list of prisoners Hamas sought for exchange with Israel, heightening scrutiny on the treatment of high-profile political prisoners.
The situation has raised alarms regarding prisoner rights and the broader implications of Barghouti's treatment on Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly as calls for reform and scrutiny of prison conditions intensify following this incident.
