Palestinian Prisoner Society: Solitary confinement is a slow, systematic execution

Palestine News Network

Kristen Ess

Wednesday, 24 January 2007

Many people demonstrate a serious deterioration in their health due to the Israeli policy of isolating prisoners in solitary confinement for lengthy periods of time under harsh conditions, reports the Palestinian Prisoner Society. They are deprived the most basic of human rights, describes PPS. In Ramle Prison, for example, many people are “isolated in very narrow sections underground in darkness and humidity.” The same is true in Israeli Beer Aseeba Prison where "the means of punishment deny all rights of detainees, destroying their lives and the hope that they can have secure or happy lives." The PPS reports that solitary confinement is "a slow, systematic execution that leaves prisoners suffering from mental illness and severe psychological problems.” Sleep deprivation is common, as is the Israeli policy of openly using various forms of torture in 85 percent of cases. Israel uses methods of torture as part of its interrogation process, which PPS describes not only as being cruel, but as being prohibited internationally. Due to injuries sustained during the interrogation process, or while being arrested, and due to pre-existing conditions or those resulting from difficult prison conditions, thousands of Palestinian political prisoners are ill. Many suffer asthma due to inhaling the gas bombs frequently thrown into cells. After the recent deaths of of Jordanian prisoner Murad Abu Sakot from cancer and Palestinian Jamal Sarahin from medical neglect, the Palestinian Prisoner Society is demanding that 900 people be given needed surgeries. However, it is not only that the Israeli administration is unwilling to treat patients. There are many people who do not want to go to Israeli prison hospitals due to the well-documented cases of abuse and torture enroute from prison to hospital, and because once in the hospital treatment often does not come to the Palestinians who remain chained to hospital beds. Palestinian Prisoner Society research is well-documented by teams of lawyers, sworn and signed affidavits, and reports that confirm the statements. Fifteen to 20 Palestinians arrive at Ramle Prison Hospital daily where they are placed in overcrowded areas, not allowed fresh air or sunshine, are fed inadequately, chained to the beds and not treated. Medical treatment often does not come at all, or surgeries are postponed for lengthy periods of time. A Palestinian Prisoner Society report pointed out that there are more than 900 political prisoners in immediate need of surgery. There are prisoners suffering from illnesses such as cancer, heart and lung diseases, kidney diseases and problems with the spinal column. There are many cases of infections , neurological and psychiatric diseases, and a large number of people paralyzed, including those with amputated hands, feet and legs.