The Prison Media Office has confirmed that detainees from the Gaza Strip held in the Rakivet section of Ramlah prison were subjected to a series of violent crackdowns on Friday and Saturday. The operations involved the use of batons, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and sound bombs, resulting in burns to the hands and legs of several prisoners.
Weekly Pattern of Abuse
In a statement released regarding the incidents, the office emphasized that these assaults have become a recurring weekly occurrence within the facility. This pattern persists despite the apparent absence of the section’s senior management, highlighting a systemic failure in oversight. The organization noted a significant escalation in the severity of attacks carried out by guards against the detainees, occurring without any deterrent measures or effective interventions to halt the mistreatment.
Targeted Assaults and Lack of Accountability
The most recent crackdown, which took place on Friday, specifically targeted Cell 15. During this operation, guards assaulted the inmates with batons and introduced police dogs into the cell block, continuing a trend of unauthorized raids and physical violence inside the prison. Furthermore, the report indicated that guards frequently transfer prisoners to camera-free rooms for interrogation and abuse. This deliberate removal of surveillance equipment significantly complicates efforts to document the violations and hold perpetrators accountable.
Warnings Regarding Health and Safety
The Prison Media Office issued a stark warning about the critical danger posed by the continuous crackdowns to the lives and physical safety of the detainees. The concern is particularly acute for those who are already injured or suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, as the lack of adequate care exacerbates their vulnerability. The organization stressed that the current environment within the prison poses an immediate threat to the well-being of the prisoner population.
Demands for International Intervention
Calling for urgent action, the office appealed to human rights institutions and international bodies to intervene immediately to stop the ongoing abuses. They demanded the provision of protection for the prisoners and called for independent supervisory entities to be granted access to visit the prison and document the violations firsthand. Additionally, the statement insisted on ensuring proper medical treatment for all injured individuals and holding the responsible officials accountable for acts of torture and ill-treatment.
