Palestinian Political Prisoners
Painting by Ahmad Abu Hannya
There are currently more than 9,000 Palestinian political prisoners. Official statistics say
that more than 650,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have been imprisoned
since 1967. It is estimated that this includes 40% of the total male population. Since
children account for more than half of the total population, the actual percentage of adult
males is considerably higher.
Imprisonment frequently involves torture. Beatings are nearly universal; shaking, hooding,
sleep deprivation, and forcing prisoners to sit or stand in painful positions are common
practices. (See http://www.addameer.org/ )