Freed Palestinian prisoner says detainees suffered ‘high level of medical neglect’

 

Marah Bakeer, who was arrested in 2015 when she was 16 years old, has just been released from Ofer Prison.

She is among the first batch of Palestinian women and children who were released as part of the truce agreement.

Bakeer tells media many of the released prisoners need medical attention.

“All of the prisoners suffered a high level of medical neglect [while detained],” she said. Bakeer was shot in the arm while being arrested.

She said she is looking forward to spending time with her family, and is considering enrolling in a university to pursue a degree in law.

Bakeer says she was informed this morning that she was going to be released from Ofer Prison.

She told  police carried out a DNA test, among other tests before being told that she would not be allowed to celebrate upon being released.

“I’m a little nervous and stunned, I can’t believe I’m out,” she said.

According to her, police also informed the other detainees who have been released that if any celebrations were going to take place, and if any flags were going to be waved upon their release, that they would be “re-arrested”.

“The years spent in jail were hard … but I have a strong personality … and faith in God,” Bakeer said. The ongoing support of jer family was also a main factor that helped her overcome “difficult times” while in detention, she said.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Bakeer’s father said he was summoned to the police station earlier today and was “threatened” not to hold any celebratory events or “show any signs of joy” following his daughter’s release.

Bakeer 

Large volley of tear gas fired as first group of Palestinian prisoners released

reporters saw two buses move from the gate behind me at Ofer prison out towards the main gate towards Ramallah. Those buses were carrying the prisoners.

It was exactly at that time when the Israeli army fired the largest volley of tear gas to try and disperse the hundreds of people that have been gathering near here over the last few hours waiting for this prison release.

This is just the first day of four days where, according to the deal, up to 150 Palestinians will be exchanged for 50 captives out of Gaza.