Shocking Violations Against a Palestinian Journalist in Israeli Prisons: Sexual Assault and Torture at Sde Teyman
In a shocking case documenting one of the most severe violations against Palestinian journalists in Israeli prisons, a Palestinian journalist was subjected to sexual assault, physical and psychological torture at the detention center Sde Teyman.
Ongoing Violations in Israeli Prisons
According to testimonies and human rights reports, Israeli authorities used a trained dog to commit an unprecedented sexual assault, causing severe psychological trauma that left the journalist mentally unbalanced for over two months, in addition to intense physical abuse endured during detention.
Documented Abuses
- Physical and psychological torture: electric shocks, severe beatings, sleep and food deprivation.
- Sexual assault: use of officers or trained dogs for coercive sexual acts.
- Arbitrary detention: imprisonment without clear charges or fair trial, often linked to journalistic work.
- Denial of medical care: refusal to provide adequate treatment for physical or mental health conditions.
- Psychological pressure and humiliation: degrading treatment and threats of extended detention or harm to family members.
International and Human Rights Response
Human rights and press freedom organizations condemned the incident, stating it is a blatant violation of international laws protecting journalists and prisoners, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
They called on the international community to pressure Israel to:
- Conduct immediate investigations into all violations.
- Hold perpetrators accountable.
- Protect Palestinian journalists and prisoners from future abuse.
Conclusion
This case underscores the serious humanitarian crisis in Israeli prisons and the urgent need for independent international monitoring to protect Palestinian journalists who face daily physical and psychological threats while performing their professional duties.
