12 Israeli prison officers charged in death of Palestinian inmate, assaulting 8 others

Twelve Israel Prison Service (IPS) personnel have been indicted in the Be'er Sheva District Court following the death of Palestinian security prisoner Thaer Abu Asab and the alleged assault of eight other inmates at Ketziot Prison in November 2023. The indictment charges all 12 defendants with reckless homicide, aggravated serious bodily harm, and multiple counts of aggravated assault. Prosecutors allege that a shift commander, after hearing Abu Asab inquire about a truce, instructed officers to enter the cell during a prisoner count to demonstrate there was no ceasefire. The officers are accused of collectively beating and injuring the inmates with punches, kicks, and batons, with the commander allegedly directing the assault. Abu Asab collapsed and died shortly after the incident due to injuries to his heart and respiratory system. Additionally, the shift commander and shift sergeant face charges of obstruction of an investigation for allegedly coordinating false testimonies.