Palestinian organizations express serious worries about Marwan Barghouti’s safety

Palestinian organizations have voiced serious worries about the safety of prominent political figure Marwan Barghouti following reports from his son regarding alleged mistreatment by Israeli prison guards. Qassam Barghouti initially shared on Facebook that he had received a call from someone claiming to be a Palestinian inmate who said Barghouti had been severely beaten in an Israeli facility, leaving him physically harmed. The post was later removed, with Qassam explaining he was seeking confirmation of his fathers condition.

The caller, using an Israeli phone number, reportedly claimed that Barghouti had suffered broken ribs, damaged teeth, and part of his ear had been cut. Qassam attempted to reconnect with the caller but was unsuccessful.

An Israel Prison Service spokesperson dismissed the allegations as falsehoods and propaganda aimed at undermining the staff. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Prisoners Society criticized the incident as further intimidation of Barghoutis family, intensifying existing concerns for his safety. The organization described it as part of an ongoing policy by the occupation authorities to exert psychological pressure on prisoners families.

Barghouti, imprisoned since 2002, is a senior Fatah leader and widely regarded as a key figure in Palestinian politics. Recently, hundreds of supporters, including international figures, backed a campaign advocating for his release.

The Palestinian presidency also condemned what it termed ongoing attacks against Barghouti, holding the Israeli government accountable for his safety and that of all Palestinian prisoners.

Ofer Cassif, an Israeli parliament member from the Hadash-Taal party, stated he had spoken with Barghoutis family and confirmed reports of injuries including broken teeth, ribs, and fingers, as well as damage to his ear. He expressed hope that the allegations were intimidation tactics rather than reality.

These concerns emerged shortly after the launch of the global Free Marwan campaign, which warned of the risks to his life in Israeli detention. Barghouti is serving five life sentences linked to events during the second Intifada, charges he denies.

Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023, Barghouti has reportedly been denied family visits and subjected to assaults, according to his lawyer. Previous public appearances, such as in Ganot Prison, showed him in a weakened state due to exhaustion and hunger.

Efforts to include Barghouti in ceasefire negotiations and prisoner releases have been rejected by Israel, despite his perceived role as a unifying figure in Palestinian politics. As part of recent arrangements, several Palestinian detainees were released or transferred, though conditions in Israeli prisons remain harsh, with reports of routine violent raids.

Palestinian prisoner organizations report that over 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including more than 3,300 under administrative detention without trial. Since October 2023, at least 94 detainees have died in custody, with allegations of torture, medical neglect, and other human rights violations continuing to emerge.

Author: Chloe Ramirez