Criminal9/3/2026

Indictments Filed Against 12 Prison Guards Following Inmate's Death

The State Attorney's Office filed indictments against 12 Israel Prison Service guards in connection with the assault of inmates at Ketziot Prison. According to the indictment, Tha'er Abu Asab died as a result of the blows he sustained, and eight other inmates were injured.

Key facts

•Defendants: 12 Israel Prison Service guards
•Court: Beersheba District Court
•Date of the incident: November 18, 2023
•Deceased: Tha'er Abu Asab
•Injured: eight additional inmates
•The case number is not stated in the source

What Happened at Ketziot

According to the indictment, on November 18, 2023, Tha'er Abu Asab asked the shift sergeant whether the ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas had taken effect. Before the evening inspection, the shift commander told the guards about this and instructed them, in an unusual move, to enter the cell to show the inmates that there was no ceasefire. Abu Asab and eight other people were in the cell.

The Prosecution's Account

The prosecution alleges that the guards jointly punched and kicked the inmates, and that several of them also used batons. The shift commander directed what was happening and, according to the indictment, personally struck one or more inmates. After several minutes, he stopped the assault, and none of the participants subsequently reported it or any other unusual incident during the inspection.

The Death and Injuries

Shortly after the incident, Abu Asab lost consciousness. He was first taken to the prison clinic and then to Soroka Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The indictment links his death to the blows, which caused severe injuries to his heart and respiratory system; eight other inmates sustained bodily injuries.

What Charges Were Filed

All 12 defendants are charged with causing death by recklessness, aggravated grievous bodily harm, and multiple counts of causing actual bodily harm under aggravated circumstances. The shift commander and shift sergeant are also charged with obstruction of an investigation: according to the prosecution, they attempted to influence the accounts given by other guards after the police investigation was opened. The indictment was filed with the Beersheba District Court; the source does not mention a judicial ruling on the merits.

What this means for you

The filing of an indictment marks the beginning of criminal proceedings, not a determination that the guards are guilty. The case illustrates that the use of violence against inmates and attempts to influence an investigation may lead to separate criminal charges, regardless of the status of those held in custody.

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Case analysis based on court rulings