Israel Releases Palestinian Prisoner Arrested at Age 13 After Nearly a Decade in Jail

Ahmad Manasra, a Palestinian man whose arrest at the age of 13 sparked international outrage, has been released from Israeli prison after serving nearly 10 years behind bars. The release comes after years of legal battles and growing concerns about his treatment while incarcerated.

Manasra was arrested in 2015 following a stabbing incident in East Jerusalem, in which his cousin Hassan attacked two Israelis. Hassan was shot and killed on the spot, while Ahmad was run over by a car during the chaos.

What followed was a case that would draw global attention. A video showing Ahmad, severely injured and crying out while lying on the ground, surfaced, sparking outrage. The footage also allegedly captured Israeli officials interrogating the young boy, visibly shaken and distressed, raising questions about the methods used during his questioning.

Despite Israeli courts acknowledging that Manasra was not involved in the stabbings, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted murder in 2016. Following an appeal in 2017, his sentence was reduced to nine and a half years.

During his time in prison, Manasra’s health and well-being suffered significantly. His lawyer, Khaled Zabarqa, described his physical and mental condition as “very difficult,” highlighting that he had been subjected to solitary confinement and harsh interrogation techniques while still a child.

International human rights organizations have repeatedly raised alarms about his prolonged detention, citing concerns about his treatment, mental health issues, and his diagnosis of schizophrenia.

On Thursday, Manasra was finally released after serving his full sentence. His lawyer confirmed the news, saying, “Ahmad has completed his 10-year sentence and he is a free person now.” However, the Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on Manasra’s family, preventing them from holding a welcome ceremony or speaking to the media.

While Manasra’s release brings relief to his family, the case continues to fuel debates about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the methods employed by Israeli authorities in their handling of minors in detention.

In response to the release, Israeli prison authorities issued a statement, saying, “Israel is a state of law, we don’t torture people here.” Despite this, the case remains highly controversial, with international groups continuing to call for accountability in how Manasra’s case was handled from his arrest to his time in solitary confinement.

Manasra is now reunited with his family, marking the end of a long and contentious chapter in his life. However, the questions surrounding his treatment and the broader issue of Palestinian detainees remain unresolved.