Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has been subjected to a series of “violent” assaults in Israeli prisons in recent weeks, raising concerns over his health, according to his lawyer.
Lawyer Ben Marmarelli said in a statement posted Wednesday that Barghouti was assaulted three times between March and April, describing what he called “escalating violations.”
Barghouti, 66, a senior figure in President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement, has been serving multiple life sentences in Israel since 2002.
“He was subjected to three assaults over March and April,” Marmarelli said, adding that Barghouti was left bleeding after a severe beating at Ganot Prison on April 8 and denied medical care.
He also alleged that during a March 25 transfer from Megiddo Prison, Barghouti was assaulted, and the day before, guards “stormed his cell with a dog… and the dog repeatedly attacked him.”
Marmarelli described prison conditions during a recent visit as “harsh and inhumane,” saying communication was only possible “to shout through the glass.”
Despite the allegations, he said Barghouti remained “sharp-minded, focused, and fully engaged.”
Barghouti is serving five life sentences over charges linked to attacks during the Second Intifada. Israel has not responded to the latest claims.
