Ahmad Manasra has finally been released from prison after spending nearly ten years behind bars—years marked by deep trauma, isolation, and what rights groups describe as a grave miscarriage of justice.
Manasra was only 13 years old when he was arrested in 2015 in connection with a stabbing incident in East Jerusalem. Despite evidence suggesting he did not participate in the attack, he was interrogated without a lawyer or family member present—a violation of international standards on the treatment of minors. Video footage of the interrogation later showed him visibly distressed as he was shouted at and insulted by interrogators.
Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, described his ordeal as a glaring example of the broader mistreatment faced by Palestinian detainees, especially children. “Ahmad and his family are relieved that this nightmare is finally over, but the scars left by years of psychological torment and neglect will not heal easily,” she said.
Manasra’s mental health began to deteriorate significantly during his imprisonment. Despite being diagnosed with serious psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and severe depression, his request for early release on medical grounds was denied in 2022. Instead, Israeli authorities invoked a clause in the controversial Counter-Terrorism Law to keep him imprisoned.
Perhaps the most harrowing part of his sentence was the extended time he spent in solitary confinement—nearly two years—despite repeated outcry from international human rights organizations. Prolonged solitary confinement is widely considered a form of torture under international law when it exceeds 15 days. Manasra’s condition worsened to the point that he was eventually hospitalized within the prison system.
Originally sentenced to 12 years in prison, his term was later reduced to nine and a half years. Throughout his imprisonment, rights groups raised alarm over the Israeli justice system’s treatment of minors, particularly Palestinian children, citing Ahmad’s case as emblematic of a wider pattern of abuse.
The timing of his release draws attention to the broader conditions facing thousands of Palestinian detainees, many of whom are currently enduring severe mistreatment, lack of medical care, and, in some cases, denial of basic necessities such as food. Just weeks ago, 17-year-old Walid Khalid Abdullah Ahmad died in Israeli custody, with reports indicating a combination of medical negligence, mistreatment, and starvation as likely causes.
Amnesty International is urging Israeli authorities to ensure that Manasra receives the care he urgently needs and is protected from further harm. “What Ahmad has endured cannot be undone,” said Morayef. “But it is essential that he is now allowed to heal—safely, with dignity, and without fear.”
Manasra’s story continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the high human cost of systemic injustice—especially when it targets the youngest and most vulnerable.
