Death of a prisoner and assault on 8 others: indictment against 12 IPS officers
Security prisoner Tair Abu Asab asked a shift sergeant if there was a "hudna" (truce) in the war. According to the indictment, the shift commander led a force into the cell during a count, where they attacked nine prisoners with batons. Abu Asab suffered a fatal heart injury, and the officers subsequently attempted to obstruct the investigation.
The State Attorney's Office has filed an indictment in the Beersheba District Court against 12 Israel Prison Service (IPS) officers for causing the death of security prisoner Tair Abu Asab and assaulting eight other prisoners at Ketziot Prison approximately three years ago.
The indictment, filed by the Southern District Attorney's Office, states that in November 2023, Abu Asab—a Fatah member serving a long sentence for attempted murder—asked the shift sergeant if there was a "hudna" (truce) in the war. This inquiry was relayed to the shift commander. Before the evening count, the commander briefed a force consisting of "Keter" unit fighters and a dog handler, instructing them to enter the cell during the count to demonstrate to the prisoners that no ceasefire existed.
The shift commander stated he would take full responsibility and warned female guards present at the briefing to stay away to avoid injury. He then led the force to the cell where the deceased and eight other prisoners were held.
"The defendants conspired to beat and injure the prisoners, attacking them with fists, kicks, and some with batons," the indictment alleges.
The shift commander directed the assault and struck one or more prisoners himself. After several minutes, he ordered the force to stop, and the defendants exited the cell without reporting the incident. As a result of the blows, which caused severe injuries to the heart and respiratory system, the prisoner collapsed and later died at Soroka Hospital. The eight other prisoners sustained bodily harm.
All defendants are charged with manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm under aggravating circumstances, and multiple counts of causing actual bodily harm. The shift commander and sergeant also face charges of obstruction of justice, as they allegedly instructed subordinates to lie about the use of batons and coordinate false testimonies.
The Israel Prison Service issued a statement:
"This is an incident that occurred during the previous commissioner's term. Nevertheless, in accordance with the organization's values, the current Commissioner decided at the beginning of his term to terminate the service of those involved, sending an unequivocal message that there is no tolerance for any violation of the law and organizational discipline."
