The UN special rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has accused Israel of “gross disregard” for the humane treatment of Palestinian prisoners, warning that emergency measures put in place after the October 7, 2023 attacks have exposed detainees to torture, sexual violence and potentially unlawful deaths, reports Anadolu.

Edwards filed allegations of beatings. severe shocks, electric shocks, holding in stressful positions, sleep deprivation, starvation and prolonged incommunicado detention in Israeli facilities.

She said conditions were characterized by overcrowding, disease, denial of medical care and lack of ventilation and sunlight.

“Emergency measures imposed after October 7, 2023 exposed Palestinian prisoners to torture, potentially fatal illegal, incommunicado detention and degrading conditions,” Edwards said.

Her investigation recorded 52 cases of torture or ill-treatment and 33 cases of sexual torture or sexualized abuse.

The allegations included one case of repeated anal and vaginal rape, two cases of rape with objects, as well as reports from male inmates of beatings, electric shocks and attacks with dogs targeting the genitals.

“This evidence is deeply disturbing. Behind every allegation lies a human being who was completely dependent on those who exercised power over him. The absolute prohibition of torture exists precisely for moments like these, when law, restraint and humanity are most needed,” said Edwards.

“These allegations require full, independent and transparent investigation, and accountability where violations are proven,” she added. concern about at least 94 reported deaths in custody since October 2023, which it says remain uninvestigated. Post-mortem examinations cited in the report found injuries such as broken ribs, hemorrhaging and ruptured organs.

“In my view, the number and brutality of the claims collected show a gross disregard by Israel for its obligation to treat all detainees humanely and without discrimination,” Edwards said.

Source: prizrenpost