Marwan Barghouti, a prominent leader of the Fatah organization currently serving multiple life sentences for the murder of Israelis, has petitioned the court to be removed from the segregation wing in which he was transferred. Represented by lawyer Avigdor Fedelman, Barghouti claims that he is being harassed by prison guards.
Barghouti alleges that last December, prison guards entered his cell, handcuffed him by the hands and feet, and forced him to walk in a manner that caused him pain. He also accuses the prison director of physically assaulting him and threatening to harm him, leading to his relocation to a dungeon in Ayalon prison for five days.
Furthermore, Barghouti asserts that the conditions in the segregation wing, which he was familiar with from previous stints in prison, have worsened. He claims that the cell windows are sealed both inside and out, resulting in a dark and difficult environment, as well as suffering from mistreatment by prison guards. He states that he was not provided with a change of clothes upon transfer to the cell, and that prison staff conducted naked and handcuffed searches of his cell three times a day.
The Security Service has responded to Barghouti’s claims, stating that they operate in accordance with established orders and procedures, placing great emphasis on security guidelines and disciplinary rules in the prisons. They acknowledged that Barghouti’s lawyer has submitted a petition detailing his claims, but a court hearing has not yet been scheduled.
It remains to be seen how this situation will develop, as both Barghouti and the prison authorities present their cases before the court.