State Attorney Indicts 12 Prison Officers Over Security Prisoner’s Death

The State Attorney filed an indictment at Beersheba District Court against 12 Israel Prison Service personnel over the November 2023 death of security prisoner Thaer Abu Asab at Ketziot Prison. Prosecutors allege the defendants entered a cell after Abu Asab asked whether a truce was in effect, then struck him and eight other prisoners with fists, kicks and, in some cases, batons. Abu Asab later died from severe cardiac and respiratory injuries attributed to the beating. All 12 face reckless-homicide and aggravated-injury charges, while two also face obstruction allegations; the claims have not been proven in court.