The members of the investigative committee to investigate the circumstances of the escape of 6 Palestinian prisoners from Jabalu Prison last year did not expect that during the testimony of the prison commander, Colonel Fardi Ben Shitrit, it would be a new issue that continues to occupy the government and public opinion. It will be revealed to them in the street of Israel.
Shetrit told the committee that “the spokesperson for the security prisoners has asked for male or female soldiers that female soldiers are forced to be placed at certain points, not for security or safety purposes, but more to satisfy the demands of any kind.”
Ben Sheetrit went on to talk about the case, explaining that the police investigated it and an indictment was filed against the as-yet-unnamed security detainee (whose name will be reviewed later) and he was convicted.
But none of the prison officers have been brought to justice despite their responsibility for what is happening there. Here the question is raised, why does the prison commander reveal such details in his testimony of his own free will?
Ben Shitrit said his main concern was to prevent a repeat of the kind of sexual assaults that occurred before he came to power, perhaps to clarify that other things, such as preparing an underground hatch for Palestinian prisoners who escaped from prison, had been overlooked. .
The prison administration at the time (November 2021) considered that Ben Sheitrit’s testimony was inappropriate and “it is strange to hear such a serious claim from someone who was at the center of organizational decision-making and worked as an assistant. “The commissioner of the prison organization was not heard during the investigation of this incident.” Until now, and perhaps it would not have been possible to hear him, had he not been asked to come and testify in a personal matter concerning himself. performance, this is an attempt to shift the public debate from the concern of examining his performance, to preoccupation with the subject matter of a former commissioner.
Earlier this week, the Central Court allowed publication that a special investigation unit is investigating the “Khaladai in Prisons” case for a second time, on suspicion that a Palestinian security prisoner raped a female prison guard four times in 2015. He harassed two other female prison guards.
Based on this suspicion, the prison guard was sent to his cell at his own request and with the information of the prison officials and the intelligence agent and with his consent. At this stage, it is not allowed to publish the name of the security prisoner who denies the suspicions against him.
According to the suspicions that the police are investigating, this Palestinian prisoner led the guard to a non-filmed area called “Between the Gates”, where he realized that the CCTV cameras were not taking pictures of that area and threatened him that the prisoners, including Amjad change , he wanted to harm her and explained to her that he was protecting her.
According to the suspicions, he was able to impose himself on her and raped her at least 4 times, and he was also suspected of committing sexual crimes against two other women inmates.
Lawyer Karen Barak, representing the prison guard who claimed she was raped by the Palestinian inmate, said: “I am glad that the court understands the importance of revealing the details of this serious case. At the same time, it is difficult for me. And the prison guards to understand why still Can’t publish the name of the terrorist who was mentioned everywhere in connection with the rape of the female soldier, this terrorist has blood on his hands and his name will not be harmed. With any publicity, and therefore does not deserve any support. This decision is unfortunate and I hope His name should be published.”
The Foreign Relations and Security Committee and the Internal Security Committee held a special meeting last week on the topic of “preventing prison guards” from 2014 to 2018. Shocking reports and testimonies have been published by the Israeli media about the sexual assault of female guards. by the prisoners of Gilboa prison, which some Israeli media called the “broker case”.
At the end of this meeting, Ram Bin Barak, Chairman of the Foreign Relations and Security Committee, a member of the Islamic Council, said: “Talking about it is a complex issue, and the issue of prisoners in prisons and prison conditions is a worthy issue.” A separate meeting was held and noted that during the last 10-15 years, the traditions and customs related to the prisoners were observed, the security guards should be checked and repaired.
Ben Brock added that the committee will hold another meeting to review the lessons learned and to prevent such cases from happening again, the criminal process should continue and those involved in this case should be punished. Overall, and he said he has passed legislation requiring prison officials to provide information and follow up on cases of sexual abuse.
He emphasized: “It must be ensured that such cases are not repeated. We ask the public prosecutor’s office to do all it can to provide the necessary assistance to the victims we sent there and paid unexplained fees.” “
State Inspector General Mataniho Engelman announced that his office had begun gathering evidence of sex crimes committed against male and female soldiers serving in the prison service and the police after he was suspected of committing sexual offenses against female conscript guards. has done.
According to Engleman, his office appeared to have contacted soldiers, commanders and female commanders to get information about how they felt safe and sexually harassed while on duty. According to him, his men plan to contact the male and female soldiers who have already been released from the Israeli army.
Engleman added: “The purpose of the information collection is to expose cases of sexual abuse or other harm to servicemen and servicewomen who served as part of the prison and police services. I would like to hear from anyone who has been harmed or has information. “I will call. In this regard, let’s leave it to government supervision.”
Acting Prime Minister Yair Lapid recently decided to open a “hotline” for female guards to hear their complaints during a visit to Ofer Security Prison, where they can call to report any harassment or inappropriate behavior.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Internal Security Minister Omar Bar-Lev, Deputy Internal Security Minister Yoav Sigalovich, Internal Security Committee Chairman MK Merav Ben-Ari, and Prison Service Commissioner Katy Perry.
“The government of Israel is responding to suspicions that a female prison guard in Israel has been raped or harassed by terrorists,” Lapid said.
On the other hand, he tried to defend the prison organization especially after the sharp criticisms regarding the escape of prisoners and sexual harassment and noted: “The way to test the quality of a security system is to ask yourself what would happen if this system did not exist. … If it were not for the prison organization, life in Israel would be impossible because of crime, terrorist operations, and terrorists, no one would be safe in or out of their home.”
Addressing the prison guards and officers, he said: “You are the last line of defense against chaos, and this is where the importance of this organization lies, and that’s why I decided to come.”
Subsequently, the Prime Minister met about 25 male and female prison guards serving in high security prisons across the country. Lapid personally listened to their experiences in the service and their feelings during the challenging period that the prison administration is going through.
Source: Lebanon Debate
