Physicians for Human Rights Israel urgently appeals to you to intervene with the Israeli authorities regarding the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya in order to ensure that his health and life are saved. This request follows a visit by a lawyer, during which it emerged that his treatment has drastically deteriorated following the legal proceedings calling for his release.
New information provided by Attorney Nasser Odeh, the lawyer representing Dr. Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, following his visit to Dr. Abu Safiya last Thursday, the 2nd of July, at the underground Rakefet facility in Nitzan Prison, indicates a severe deterioration in his condition to the point of tangible and immediate danger to his life.
Following the lawyer visit, Physicians for Human Rights Israel and Attorney Odeh reached out and sent urgent appeals to Israel’s Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, the Chief Public Defender, and the Chairs of both the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Constitution, Law and Justice Committee calling for his immediate transfer from the underground facility where allegations of violence and abuse against detainees have previously been reported, and an urgent judicial visit to assess his condition – before it is too late.
According to Attorney Odeh’s affidavit, Dr. Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting shackled by his hands and feet and accompanied by masked prison guards. He bore fresh, severe injuries to his head, around his eyes, and on his ears and neck—to the extent that his lawyer initially struggled to recognize him.
During the visit, Dr. Abu Safiya experienced difficulty breathing and speaking continuously. He appeared extremely weak, struggled to sit upright without falling, and on several occasions seemed on the verge of losing consciousness. Attorney Odeh noted that he appeared frightened, exhibited severe psychological distress and was reluctant to speak freely due to fear of being targeted. Based on these direct observations, Attorney Odeh concluded that Dr. Abu Safiya’s life is in immediate danger.
