Smuggled letter reveals more violations in “Israeli” prisons!

The fate of Palestinians who languish in "Israeli" prisons, possibly as many as 11,000, some held in indefinite preventative detention for years without charges brought against them remains under stake.

According to Palestinian News Network (PNN), prisoners behind "Israeli" prison bars suffer deprivations and abuse, as well as harsh treatment. They are harassed verbally and physically, often arbitrarily punished by having their cells tear gassed or water sprayed into it; dogs have been set upon them in their cells; punishment may mean being put in an solitary confinement; physical punishment such as beatings is often used for males and females alike.

In addition, prisoners are not given adequate medical treatment, even for very serious illnesses, sometimes even deprived treatment altogether.

All these harsh violations take place amid media blackout and negligence of the international community, yet stories from behind bars keep leaking out to public.

Today, Ma'an news agency reported that a letter smuggled in the intestines of fellow inmates has revealed the testimony of inmates that 36-year-old Palestinian-American Ahmad An-Najjar, has been denied medical treatment for a growing tumor in his throat.

The letter said An-Najjar, who was imprisoned by "Israel" in 2003, was scheduled to have surgery two years ago, but was denied the treatment by prison officials. He said the tumor was so large he could no longer talk, and would shortly be moved to the Ar-Ramle prison facility, which has a small medical ward.

Written by concerned fellow prisoners in the Nafha desert prison facility, the letter said An-Najjar's mother, 55-year-old Karimeh, has been denied permission to visit her son for at least two years. She was reportedly told to send her son letters, but says she sends many more than he receives.

According to the letter, An-Najjar was subjected to torture so he would admit involvement in attacks against "Israel", and soldiers threatened to detain and torture his mother if he did not comply.

Detentions, incarceration and different means of torture and deprivation are of the most important weapons in "Israel's" all-out war against the Palestinian people. These actions constitute a violation of the rights of occupied people, are designed to reach the largest number of people, affect all segments of society, and thereby break the will of the Palestinians to resist the occupation.
"Israeli" prisons not only keep within its folds Adults but also infants as young as months, and the ill-treatment, torture, and deprivation of treatment as well as basic rights of Palestinian children by "Israeli" authorities is widespread, systematic and institutionalized.
Tens of prisoners have died due to lack or deprivation of treatment and medication, and these crimes continue to go on today as this report is written.