Recent testimonies from former Palestinian prisoners have exposed serious allegations of abuse, including sexual violence, in Israeli jails. Sami al-Sai, a Palestinian journalist released after 16 months of administrative detention, detailed his traumatic experiences in an exclusive interview. Al-Sai, arrested during an Israeli raid in February 2024, spoke out about the horrific treatment that he and others endured in custody.
Harrowing Experiences in Israeli Prisons
In a chilling account, al-Sai described how he was beaten and sexually assaulted shortly after arriving at Megiddo Prison. He recalled being subjected to a brutal attack which he described as a “reception party”—a term used among detainees for violent sexual assaults on new arrivals. Al-Sai’s experience was marked by physical violence and humiliation, with guards inflicting severe pain while mocking him.
“The pain was overwhelming,” he stated, reflecting on the moment he was assaulted. “But I still didn’t know what they were going to do.” Remarkably, he held back his fears for months before deciding to share his story.
Widespread Systematic Abuse
Another former detainee, who requested anonymity, shared similar accounts of brutality, including being raped by a police dog during his time in custody. His testimony, along with al-Sai’s, draws attention to ongoing allegations of the systematic use of sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners.
- Palestinian journalist Sami al-Sai details sexual assault and torture in Israeli custody.
- Another former prisoner describes being raped by a police dog.
- The Israeli prison system is accused of systematic mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.
Responses from Authorities
The Israeli Prison Service has denied these allegations, asserting that they do not reflect the conduct of their personnel. However, a United Nations inquiry earlier this year criticized Israel for utilizing sexualized torture as a means of oppression against the Palestinian people.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced scrutiny during his prison visits. Reports indicated that he was complicit in the mistreatment of detainees, as testimonies detail beatings occurring under his watch.
Conditions in Detention
Both al-Sai and the anonymous prisoner recounted living conditions within the prison that consisted of starvation, overcrowding, and a lack of medical care. As many as 20,000 Palestinians have reportedly been detained since October 2023, with rights groups documenting serious abuses within the prison system.
Despite the trauma, both men strive to share their experiences. Al-Sai declared, “We are real people, with real names,” emphasizing the need for accountability for these abuses.
The Fight for Accountability
Former prisoners like al-Sai and Salem are determined to bring their stories to light. They express the hope that shedding light on these issues will foster international awareness and accountability. As al-Sai expressed, “We must show the truth… This is what it looks like.”
The ongoing allegations of the abuse against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails raise critical questions about human rights and the conditions of detainees. Activists and rights groups continue to call for investigations into these claims to ensure justice for the victims.
