12 Prison Guards Charged in Death of Palestinian Inmate

Israel's State Prosecutor's Office has filed a severe indictment against 12 Israel Prison Service (IPS) officers, accusing them of recklessly causing the death of security prisoner Thair Abu Aatseb and assaulting eight other inmates at Ketziot Prison.

The indictment details an unusual order given to the guards and the subsequent events within the cell. In November 2023, one of the accused served as the shift commander in the section where the prisoners were held, while the others were guards, members of the "Keter" unit, and a dog handler.

On November 18, Abu Aatseb asked the shift sergeant if there was a "hudna" (ceasefire) in the war. This information was relayed to the shift commander, who, before the evening count, briefed his force. He instructed them to enter the cell during the count, an unusual procedure, to show the prisoners there was no ceasefire. The commander reportedly stated he would take "responsibility for whatever happens" and warned female guards present not to enter the cell.

The commander then led the force into the cell housing Abu Aatseb and eight other inmates. According to the indictment, after the count began, he ordered the accused to enter the cell to beat and injure the prisoners. The inmates were allegedly punched and kicked, with some guards using batons. The commander is accused of directing the assault and participating in it. After a few minutes, he ordered the force to stop, and they left the cell without reporting the incident.

Shortly after, Abu Aatseb collapsed and lost consciousness. He was taken to the prison clinic and then to Soroka Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The indictment states his death resulted from the beatings, causing severe damage to his heart and respiratory system. The other eight inmates also sustained injuries.

In a separate charge, the prosecutor's office accuses the shift commander and the shift sergeant of obstruction of justice. The sergeant allegedly instructed a guard to lie during his interrogation about baton use. The commander is accused of asking an uninvolved guard, after his own interrogation, to coordinate the story with other accused guards. The female guard initially provided a false account but later admitted to lying and gave her version of events.

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