Palestinian prisoner reports sexual abuse in Israeli jail

Sami al-Saei says he was sexually abused while detained and later spoke publicly; the human rights group B'Tselem published a report describing a 'grave pattern' of sexual violence in Israeli prisons, while Israeli authorities deny the allegations.

Sami al-Saei, a Palestinian who was held in Israeli custody, has publicly reported that he was sexually abused while detained. His testimony came as the human rights group B'Tselem released a report describing a "grave pattern" of sexual violence and other abuse in Israel's civilian and military detention facilities. Israeli prison officials have said they categorically reject these allegations and maintain that inmates are held lawfully with access to required medical care. The claims have drawn attention from rights groups and international observers. Key facts: - Sami al-Saei says the alleged assault occurred after his detention in February 2024 and that he was held without charge until June 2025. - B'Tselem's report documents widespread reports of sexual violence and other forms of mistreatment in Israeli prisons and detention centres. - The Israeli prison service has publicly rejected the report's allegations and asserted that custody and medical care meet legal requirements. - Independent oversight visits have been severely limited since October 2023, and a small number of military prosecutions related to detention abuse have been reported, with one conviction noted. Summary: The allegations reported by a former detainee and detailed in B'Tselem's report have intensified scrutiny of treatment in Israeli detention facilities and prompted further international attention. Official denials and a limited record of prosecutions have been reported. Undetermined at this time.