The Im Tirtzu organization succeeded in obtaining information from the Israel Prison Authority (IPA) pertaining to the conditions of imprisonment for the so-called “security prisoners”, the term used by the IPA for terrorists. Despite the organization’s efforts, it only succeeded in obtaining partial information, which was finally released under the Freedom of Information Act.

After Im Tirtzu received the information, the IPA reportedly changed its regulations to tighten supervision.

According to IPA officials, there are security prisoners who are entitled to visits from relatives once every two weeks. The remainder of the prisoners receive visits once every two months. It is pointed out that in contrast to Hamas members from Yehuda and Shomron, Hamas prisoners from Gaza are not entitled to any visits whatsoever.

For the first time, the IPA revealed the conditions of the prisoners:
The terrorists imprisoned in the system are given access to physical fitness rooms. Among the facilities are parallel bars, abdominal and fitness equipment.

The complete list of fitness facilities for prisons includes:
• Gilboa Prison: nine rowing facilities and eight parallel bars.
• Megiddo: nine bicycle exercise machines, nine rowing machines, one parallel bars.
• Nafcha: one parallel bars and one abdominal workout device.
• Ofer: ten working devices, ten parallel bars.
• Ketziot: 21 parallel bars and 21 abdominal workout machines
• Rimon: Ten parallel bars and ten abdominal workout machines

IPA point out that in total, there are 120 devices to assist imprisoned terrorists in maintaining and improving their physical fitness.

Regarding the query as to how many newspapers and printed publications the security prisoners receive, the IPA reports that a security prisoner in a secluded/high security wing receives one newspaper and two publications, with the state paying the bill.

Regarding the library; in the security wing, the IPA admits for a first time that it does not monitor the subject matter of the books given to the security prisoners.

Im Tirtzu CEO Matan Peleg: It is shameful to see the exceptional conditions that the terrorists in the prisons receive, paid for by the Israeli public. Browsing through a variety of daily newspapers, keeping fit in fitness facilities and visiting senior diplomats are conditions of hotels. The IPA decided to adopt new procedures following our request, but it would be better if things did not reach this point…The time has come for the government to approve the recommendations of Minister Erdan’s committee, to stop the celebrations in the prisons by the terrorists. The Im Tirtzu organization will not rest and will not remain silent until the celebration in the prisons of these abject murderers ends completely.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)