Ahmad Manasra released after 10 years in 'Israeli' detention

'Israeli' authorities have released Palestinian detainee Ahmad Manasra after nearly 10 years of imprisonment, following his arrest at the age of 13.

Manasra, the Palestinian detainee whose haunting words, "I don’t remember... I’m not sure," became emblematic of his harrowing interrogation by Israeli Occupation Forces.

Following a decade spent in 'Israeli' detention, where he endured physical and psychological abuse.

Manasra was arrested on October 12, 2015, in Jerusalem's Beit Hanina neighborhood, accused of attempting a stabbing attack alongside his cousin, Hassan Manasra, who was shot and killed by 'Israeli' forces that day.

Video footage of his interrogation, where he appeared distressed and was denied legal representation or family presence, spread widely and sparked outrage.

At the time of his arrest, Manasra was only 13 years and 9 months old, raising significant concerns about the legality of his detention under 'Israeli' law, which prohibits the imprisonment of minors under 14.

Despite this, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, later reduced to 9.5 years, along with a fine of 180,000 shekels.

Harsh treatment, deteriorating mental health

Throughout his detention, Manasra endured severe physical abuse, including a skull fracture from beatings by 'Israeli' soldiers and settlers, and was subjected to cruel interrogations involving shouting insults, and sleep deprivation.

He was also held in solitary confinement for extended periods, which contributed to the deterioration of his mental health.

By 2023, Manasra’s condition had worsened significantly. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression, his mental state rapidly declined. His lawyer, Khaled al-Zabarqa, described a visit where Manasra was unresponsive and covered in self-inflicted wounds, expressing feelings of hopelessness. During this visit, Manasra even asked, “Are you sure suicide is forbidden in Islam?”

A mother's pain, harsh prison conditions

Manasra’s family also endured immense suffering. After seven years of separation, his mother was allowed a brief moment of physical contact with her son in court.

However, this interaction was limited to her touching only his finger, an act that both comforted and saddened her, as she described her son gripping her finger, crying uncontrollably. She later expressed her distress at his ongoing isolation and poor health, which she feared would endanger his life.

In 2023, Manasra's prison conditions in Ashkelon were reported to be dire. He suffered from severe stomach pain, was denied family support, and had to endure unsanitary conditions with rodent infestations in his cell. Despite these challenges, his solitary confinement was extended for another six months.

Legal battles, global attention

Manasra’s legal team, headed by Nariman Shhadeh Zubari, fought relentlessly for his early release. However, 'Israeli' courts consistently rejected these requests, citing his classification under anti-terrorism laws, which barred him from qualifying for early release.

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned his continued imprisonment, citing violations of international law and the mistreatment of minors.