The family of Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner, has reported that he has suffered physical assaults behind bars in Israel.
Arab Barghouti expressed his shock and anger over the attacks that he claims his father endured at the hands of Israeli prison guards.
According to Barghouti’s lawyer, Marwan was attacked three times within a month, with one incident involving guards and guard dogs. The Israeli Prison Service, however, has firmly denied these allegations, claiming they are false.
Marwan Barghouti, who has spent 24 years in jail, was convicted of orchestrating deadly attacks against Israeli civilians and is serving multiple life sentences. Despite his imprisonment, he retains significant popularity among Palestinians and is regarded as a unifying figure reminiscent of Nelson Mandela.
Arab Barghouti attributed the assaults to his father's high profile, which makes him a target, stating that his father represents hope for change and unity among the Palestinian people. Barghouti's lawyer described severe instances of violence, including being denied medical care after a brutal beating.
The ongoing conflict has seen increased reports of abuse within Israel's prison system, prompting concerns from human rights groups about the treatment of Palestinian inmates, particularly following the recent escalation of violence in the region.