Palestinian journalists report torture and abuse in Israeli prisons

A recent international report has revealed that dozens of Palestinian journalists have been subjected to serious violations in Israeli prisons since 7 October 2023. Its authors describe a recurring pattern of mistreatment linked directly to their media work.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), approximately 60 Palestinian journalists were detained during the period under investigation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 59 of them. Fifty-eight reported being subjected to what they described as torture or cruel treatment during detention.

Cross-corroborating testimonies and similar patterns

The report states that testimonies from different detention facilities revealed similar patterns of abuse. These included beatings, forced stress positions, sensory deprivation, medical neglect, and allegations of sexual violence.

Journalist Sami al-Saai, who worked for Al Jazeera Mubasher and Al-Fajr TV, said he was transferred to a small cell in Megiddo prison and assaulted inside it. He said he later shared his experience with veteran detainees.

Journalist Shadi Abu Seido of Palestine Today reported being arrested at Al-Shifa Hospital on 18 March 2024. He was transferred to Sdeh Tayman detention centre, where he said soldiers beat him while passing him between rows. Shadi later discovered he had a broken rib. He was released after 20 months.

At Ofer Prison, radio journalist Muhammad al-Atrash described a mass assault in November 2023 involving dozens of detainees. He said they sarcastically named the incident after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit. According to al-Atrash, trained dogs and metal instruments were used, causing injuries and bleeding.

Journalist Osama al-Sayed, a correspondent for Al-Aqsa TV, said he was subjected to electric shocks and pepper spray between beatings following an official prison visit.

Eleven journalists reported being subjected to a technique known as “strappado” or “ghost suspension,” in which a detainee is suspended by arms tied behind the back.

Palestinian journalists — severe weight loss and detention without charge

Fifty-five journalists reported suffering from severe hunger or malnutrition. Photos reviewed by the newspaper showed visible physical deterioration. CPJ estimated the average weight loss at 23.5 kilograms per journalist.

Journalist Muhammad Badr said he was severely beaten, injuring his tongue and preventing him from speaking or eating properly for two weeks. He said he lost 40 kilograms during ten months in detention.

Ahmed Shqoura, also of Palestine Today, said he lost 54 kilograms during 14 months in Ktziot and Jalameh prisons. Journalist Rami Abu Zbeida reported losing 35 kilograms during a year in detention.

The report states that 48 of the 59 journalists were not charged with any offence. They were held under administrative detention, which allows renewable detention periods without trial.

Official responses

The Israeli Prison Service rejected the allegations, stating that any official complaint is examined through approved channels. The Israeli army also denied systematic abuse, saying investigations are opened when violations are suspected.

The report also cited data from Physicians for Human Rights–Israel documenting 94 Palestinian deaths in detention since 7 October 2023. CPJ estimates that 252 journalists have been killed since the start of the war on Gaza.

Featured image via Committee to Protect Journalists