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.

Source: CNN – Israel releases Palestinian prisoner controversially arrested aged 13

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Sitting on the front row of the war court at the US’s Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, one of the world’s most infamous defendants, listened intently. His bright orange beard and traditional attire – a headdress, tunic, and trousers – marked a stark contrast to the image of a younger Mohammed from when he was first captured in 2003.

At 59, Mohammed appeared in court with a pivotal moment ahead: he was set to plead guilty to charges related to the 9/11 attacks, almost 23 years after nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in one of the most devastating attacks on American soil.

But just as he was about to enter his plea – the result of a controversial deal with US prosecutors – the proceedings were suddenly paused by a federal appeals court, leading to another delay in a case that has been marked by years of stalling.

For many, this case is becoming an interminable journey. “It’s going to be the forever trial,” one relative of a 9/11 victim remarked, reflecting the deep frustration that has persisted for decades.

The Pause and the Plea Deal

Mohammed, who has previously stated that he was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks – from orchestrating the hijackings to presenting the plan to Osama bin Laden – was expected to formally plead guilty this week. However, the hearing was delayed due to complications surrounding a deal he struck with the US government.

Under the terms of the deal, if Mohammed pleaded guilty, he would avoid the death penalty. Yet, this agreement has come under intense scrutiny. The US government has tried to rescind the deal, arguing that allowing it to proceed would harm the public and the justice system. On the other hand, some argue that the deal is the only viable path forward, especially considering the allegations of torture that Mohammed and other detainees faced in US custody, which raises concerns about the integrity of the evidence.

As a result, a federal appeals court stepped in, halting the proceedings to give judges time to review the case and decide on the way forward.

Victims’ Families: A Painful Wait

For the families of 9/11 victims, this delay is not only disappointing but emotionally draining. Many had traveled to Guantanamo Bay to witness the proceedings. They had won a spot in the viewing gallery through a lottery, with some making personal sacrifices, such as arranging childcare and paying for pet care, just to be there.

Elizabeth Miller, who was only six years old when her father, New York City firefighter Douglas Miller, was killed in the attacks, shared her frustration. While she supported the plea deal in hopes of “bringing finality” to the case, she acknowledged the different opinions among families. Some felt the deal was too lenient, while others, like her, were simply desperate for closure. “Every time this goes back and forth, each camp gets their hopes up and then gets their hopes crushed again,” she said, describing the constant emotional whiplash.

Guantanamo Bay: 23 Years of Controversy

The delay in the trial is just the latest chapter in the long and controversial history of Guantanamo Bay. The US military prison, established after the 9/11 attacks as part of the “War on Terror,” has been holding detainees for more than two decades. The first prisoners arrived at Guantanamo on January 11, 2002, under a military order from President George Bush, which allowed non-US citizens to be held without charge and without the ability to challenge their detention.

The conditions at Guantanamo were initially harsh, with detainees held in exposed cages with mats on the floor. Over the years, conditions have improved, but the prison continues to face criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations for its treatment of detainees.

Former President Barack Obama vowed to close the prison, a promise revived under President Joe Biden’s administration. Yet, despite efforts, Guantanamo remains open. As of now, only 15 detainees remain, a sharp drop from the nearly 800 detainees once held there. Of those remaining, most have been charged with or convicted of war crimes. Their legal battles continue, though many are mired in complex legal issues.

Meanwhile, the base also serves military personnel and contractors, with facilities like a McDonald’s, a bowling alley, and even an Irish pub catering to their needs. The base, which is highly secured, remains largely off-limits to the press, with most access granted only to those with security clearance.

The Trial’s Uncertain Future

As the trial was paused on Friday, the judge noted that Mohammed’s planned plea would now fall into the hands of the next US administration, leaving the future of the case uncertain. With no resolution in sight, the hopes of victims’ families hang in the balance, as they continue to wait for justice, two decades after the devastating events of 9/11.

For now, the question remains: when, if ever, will this case truly come to an end?

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Newly released footage from body cameras reveals the shocking details of a brutal attack on Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York. The December 9 assault, carried out by correctional officers, involved repeated punches, strikes to the chest with a shoe, and lifting Brooks by the neck before dropping him. The incident occurred just hours after Brooks was transferred to the facility and has drawn widespread outrage.

Disturbing Footage and Immediate Aftermath

The body camera footage, released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows Brooks sitting handcuffed on a medical examination table while correctional officers beat him. One officer strikes him with a shoe, while another lifts him by the neck and drops him. After the attack, the officers stripped Brooks of his clothing as he lay motionless and bloodied.

Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital the following morning. Preliminary autopsy findings point to asphyxia caused by neck compression and suggest his death was a result of actions by another person.

Attorney General James described the videos as “shocking and disturbing,” warning viewers to exercise caution before watching. Notably, the footage lacks audio, as the officers failed to activate the body cameras during the incident—a violation of standard protocol.

State Response and Investigation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the assault a “senseless killing” and announced the termination of 13 correctional officers and a nurse implicated in the incident. She expressed her outrage, stating, “This type of behavior is unacceptable and undermines public trust.”

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has since mandated body camera usage during all staff interactions with inmates. Despite this directive, Attorney General James has not confirmed whether criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved.

Advocates and Family Demand Accountability

Elizabeth Mazur, an attorney representing Brooks’ family, said the footage shows the “horrific and extreme nature” of the attack. “Robert Brooks was fatally, violently beaten by those entrusted with his safety,” she stated. Mazur emphasized that such violence creates a culture of fear for other inmates.

Prison oversight groups and advocacy organizations echoed these concerns. Jennifer Scaife, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York, described the attack as “sickening and appalling,” citing previous reports of systemic brutality and racism at Marcy Correctional Facility.

Tina Luongo of The Legal Aid Society called for transparency and systemic reforms. “This grotesque display of inhumanity must not be forgotten once the headlines fade,” she said.

Broader Implications for Prison Reform

The union representing correctional officers, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, condemned the assault. In a statement, the union said, “What we witnessed is incomprehensible and not reflective of the great work our members perform daily.” However, critics argue that such incidents are indicative of deeper systemic issues.

David Condliffe, executive director of the Center for Community Alternatives, highlighted the broader culture of abuse in the prison system. “This violence is not an anomaly; it is the product of a system steeped in impunity,” he said. Condliffe stressed the need for systemic reforms beyond firing the individuals involved.

A History of Violence at Marcy Correctional Facility

Marcy Correctional Facility, located about 200 miles northwest of New York City, has faced allegations of pervasive brutality and racism. A 2022 monitoring visit by the Correctional Association of New York documented numerous reports of abuse. Scaife called for urgent reforms to address the systemic issues that enable such incidents.

Calls for Justice and Reform

Advocates, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations are demanding comprehensive reforms to prevent further violence within prisons. They argue that the assault on Robert Brooks should serve as a wake-up call to address the deep-seated culture of brutality and impunity in correctional facilities.

“This is not just about holding individuals accountable; it’s about dismantling a system that allows violence to thrive,” Luongo said.

As investigations continue, Brooks’ death stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, oversight, and reform in the U.S. prison system.

Source

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