Just two days after being released from Israeli detention, Palestinian journalist Mujahid Bani Muflih is fighting a new battle – for his health. His condition rapidly deteriorated following his release, raising concerns about the long-term physical and psychological effects of his imprisonment.
Reports indicate that Bani Muflih exhibited signs of extreme fatigue and difficulty walking immediately after his release. He also complained of weakness and numbness in his extremities. The situation escalated dramatically Wednesday night.
Bani Muflih was rushed to the hospital following a sharp decline in his health. Tests revealed a brain hemorrhage, requiring immediate and delicate surgery. Doctors are working to stabilize his condition.
His family reports that Bani Muflih suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. They allege that during his imprisonment, he was given medication and dosages that were unsuitable for his pre-existing conditions, exacerbating his medical issues. The family believes this mistreatment directly contributed to his current critical state.
The journalist’s plight has sparked outrage amongst activists and on social media platforms. Many see his situation as a form of ‘slow execution’ and a stark illustration of the suffering and medical neglect faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Critics argue that Israel deliberately releases prisoners with chronic and serious illnesses, effectively turning their freedom into a new struggle against the lasting consequences of incarceration.
This case highlights the systemic issues faced by prisoners, including alleged medical negligence and physical and psychological abuse through denial of treatment, misdiagnosis, and forced or haphazard medication. The case of Mujahid Bani Muflih underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny of the conditions within Israeli prisons and the treatment of Palestinian detainees. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential long-term damage inflicted by imprisonment.
