Sat Dec 06 05:31:30 UTC 2025: Palestinians Alarmed by Allegations of Torture Against Imprisoned Leader Marwan Barghouti

[City, State] – Palestinian groups have voiced serious concerns for the safety of prominent political figure Marwan Barghouti, imprisoned in Israel, following a disturbing report alleging severe abuse. Barghouti’s son, Qassam Barghouti, initially posted on Facebook that he received a call from someone claiming to be a fellow Palestinian prisoner, detailing graphic torture inflicted upon his father by Israeli guards. The caller claimed Barghouti suffered broken ribs, teeth, and a partially severed ear.

Qassam later deleted the post, stating he was seeking official confirmation of his father’s condition. The Israel Prison Service has dismissed the allegations as “total lies” and propaganda.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society condemned the alleged call as a form of intimidation against Barghouti’s family, escalating fears for his well-being. The Palestinian presidency echoed these concerns, holding Israel responsible for Barghouti’s safety and that of all Palestinian prisoners.

Ofer Cassif, a member of the Israeli parliament, stated he spoke with the family and expressed hope the reports were merely intimidation tactics.

Barghouti, a senior leader in Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah group, has been imprisoned since 2002 and is serving multiple life sentences for alleged involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada. He denies the charges. A recent “Free Marwan” campaign has gained international support, urging his release amid fears for his health.

Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, Barghouti has reportedly been denied family visits and subjected to mistreatment. Recent reports from released prisoners also detail widespread abuse within Israeli prisons, with claims that Barghouti himself sustained broken ribs.

Currently, over 9,300 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, many without charge or trial. Palestinian rights organizations report a significant increase in prisoner deaths since October 2023, alleging torture, medical neglect, and systematic human rights violations.

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