12 Prison Guards Charged in Death of Palestinian Security Prisoner

Israel's State Prosecution has indicted 12 prison service officers for the negligent homicide of security prisoner Thair Abu Asab and the assault of eight other inmates at Ketziot Prison in November 2023. The indictment, filed by Southern District Prosecutor's Office attorney Tal Cohen Adir, details that one of the accused served as the shift commander and was responsible for the headcount in the prisoners' compound. The other defendants were guards, members of the "Keter" unit, and a dog handler.

On November 18, 2023, Abu Asab inquired about a ceasefire, which was relayed to the shift commander. Before the evening count, the commander briefed his team, mentioning Abu Asab's question and instructing them to enter the cell during the count to demonstrate there was no ceasefire. He stated he would take responsibility for any repercussions and warned female guards present not to enter the cell to avoid injury.

The shift commander then led the team into the cell where Abu Asab and eight other prisoners were held. After beginning the count, he ordered the defendants to enter the cell. The indictment alleges the defendants collectively intended to assault the prisoners, striking them with fists, kicks, and in some cases, batons. The commander directed the operation and also struck prisoners himself. After a few minutes, he ordered the force to stop, and they exited the cell without reporting the assault or any unusual incident.

Shortly thereafter, Abu Asab collapsed and lost consciousness. He was taken to the prison clinic and then to Soroka Hospital, where his death was pronounced. The indictment states his death resulted from the blows he sustained, causing severe damage to his heart and respiratory system. The eight other prisoners suffered actual bodily harm.

In a separate charge, the shift commander and a sergeant are accused of obstruction of justice. The indictment claims the sergeant instructed a guard to lie about the use of batons during the police investigation. The shift commander allegedly asked another guard to coordinate a female guard's testimony with the other defendants' accounts after his own questioning. The female guard initially provided a false statement but later admitted to lying and recounted the incident.

All defendants face charges of negligent homicide, aggravated severe assault, and multiple counts of actual severe assault. The shift commander and sergeant also face charges of obstruction of justice.