Dozens of Palestinian journalists beaten, starved or raped, report alleges

A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists alleges that almost 60 Palestinian journalists detained in Israeli prisons since October 7, 2023, have experienced severe abuse. Based on interviews, photographs, and medical records, the report details consistent accounts of torture, including beatings, starvation, sexual violence, and medical neglect. Journalists like Sami al-Sai and Shadi Abu Sido described specific instances of sexual assault and physical violence while in custody at facilities like Megiddo and Sde Teiman. Mohammad al-Atrash reported a mass assault at Ofer prison. The Israeli prison service and the Israel Defense Forces have strongly denied the allegations.

A recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) details widespread abuse of Palestinian journalists jailed by Israel since October 2023. Based on interviews with 59 journalists, the report alleges routine torture, beatings, starvation, and sexual assault within Israeli prisons. The journalists described instances of baton beatings, electroshocks, stress positions, and sexual violence, including rape. The CPJ report also highlights psychological abuse, such as threats against family members, sleep deprivation, and denial of medical care. The journalists reported that the abuse appeared to be intended to humiliate, terrorize, and permanently scar them.