Palestinian girl sexually assaulted by Israeli prison guard

September 18, 2009

GAZA, (PIC)-- An 18-year-old Palestinian girl, imprisoned at the Israeli occupation jail of Hasharon, was sexually assaulted by an Israeli prison guard, according to a statement by the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners Affairs.

Reyad al-Ashqar, head of the information office of the ministry said on Thursday that the victim was detained six months ago and that she was being held in a solitary cell.

Two weeks ago, an Israeli prison guard called the prisoner at 3:00 in the morning and asked her to get close to the door of the cell because he had an important message for her, as she stood close to the door, he put his hands through the hatch used to pass food for the prisoner and held her hands, pulled her closer to the door and tried to grope her.

The victim tried to free her self from his grip and started shouting forcing him to let her hands free, but he threatened her with sever punishment if she told anyone about the assault and said that he would recommend that she does not leave her solitary cell if she complained.

The girl was frightened and did not make a complaint to the prison's governor.

A convicted prisoner in the same section saw what happened and informed the count officer.

The victim was then called by the prison's authority and was questioned about the incident. She was told that the incident will be investigated and that the concerned prison guard was given leave until the conclusion of the investigation.