Ahmad Manasra’s waking nightmare continues: traumatized, tried as an adult at age 14, convicted of attempted murder in spite of the evidence, and sentenced to 12 years in prison (later reduced to 9 1/2 years). He has been in solitary confinement since November 2021, and Israeli courts just extended his isolation for another 6 months – though he suffers from schizophrenia.
Beginning at age 13, Ahmad Manasra has endured years of harsh interrogations, abuse, & solitary confinement; mental health experts say his life is in danger – but Israel refuses to release him. Ahmad has served 6 years for a crime in which he did not participate.
The Israel Prison Service holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners in isolation, including minors, for months and even years, according to figures obtained following a freedom of information request filed by Physicians for Human Rights. – Israel’s action is likely a breach of the Convention against Torture.
An investigation by Military Court Watch indicates that the number of Palestinian child prisoners currently held by Israel in solitary confinement has surged to between 100 to 200 each year. Many of the youths are beaten and at least one was sexually assaulted. The impact has included attempted suicide and head banging against metal cell doors while begging to be released… the detailed report includes 45 testimonies…