Prison conditions plummet during month of Ramadan when family visits are banned and food is inedible

31.08.09 - 11:02
Nablus / PNN – Abu Amara was just released from Hasharon Prison. The Nablus resident told the Center for Prisoners Studies that conditions during the month of Ramadan are particularly harsh.
Relations between political prisoners and Israeli management are especially tense after last week. Palestinians refused to comply with invasive inspections, which Abu Amara believes will result in the withdrawal of basic achievements.
In a report drawn up by the Center for Prisoners Studies upon his release, Abu Amara also remarked on the problematic situation for Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Due to the siege, Israeli forces are not allowing citizens of the Strip to receive visits. Bans of family visits are among the most devastating aspects of prison life, the Palestinian Prisoners Society has reported on several occasions.
The Center for Prisoners Studies wrote in its most recent report that Palestinians can spend lifetimes not knowing their children or parents due to a lack of family visits.
As the holiday passes without family and under the Israeli gun, Muslim prisoners complain of unsuitable food for breaking the fast. Dates, a staple of Ramadan and the first bite taken to break the fast for the evening meal, are unfit for consumption due to inadequate quality, the latest study indicates.
After his recent release from Hasharon, Abu Amara described violations by the Israeli administration that include inhumane conditions, harsh policies, strict punishment, illegal actions, failure to respond to medical needs, provocative inspections, constant intrusion of guards, overcrowded rooms, lack of cleaning materials, prevention of taking the secondary examination (Tawjihi)and banning parents from providing clothing or special needs.