12 Prison Guards Charged in Death of Palestinian Prisoner, Assaults

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against 12 Israel Prison Service (IPS) officers in connection with the death of security prisoner Thair Abu Azaab and the assault of eight other inmates at Ketziot Prison. The indictment alleges that in November 2023, one of the defendants, serving as shift commander, orchestrated an unannounced entry into a cell during evening roll call. The commander allegedly instructed the other defendants, including guards and members of the 'Keter' unit, to enter the cell to show the prisoners there was no ceasefire, despite knowing this could lead to violence.

According to the indictment, the defendants collectively assaulted the prisoners with fists, kicks, and batons, causing severe injuries to eight inmates and ultimately leading to Abu Azaab's death. The commander himself is accused of striking at least one prisoner. Following the assault, none of the officers reported the incident as unusual. Abu Azaab collapsed shortly after and was taken to Soroka Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The indictment states his death resulted from the blows he sustained, causing severe damage to his heart and respiratory system.

In addition to the assault charges, the shift commander and a sergeant are accused of obstruction of justice. The sergeant allegedly instructed a guard to lie during the police investigation about the use of batons. The shift commander is accused of attempting to coordinate the testimony of a female guard who had not yet been questioned. While she initially provided a false account, she later admitted to lying and provided her true version of events.

All 12 defendants face charges including reckless homicide, aggravated severe assault, and multiple counts of aggravated assault. The shift commander and sergeant face additional charges for obstruction of justice.