Abd al-Basit Maatan has refused substituted medications after Israeli occupation prison officials abruptly changed his prescriptions two weeks ago and are considering a hunger strike in protest.
Maatan, 48, is suffering from cancer but continues to avoid the medicine provided by the occupation’s prison administration.
This refusal stems from the administration’s unexplained change in his medications, despite his condition’s severity and critical nature.
Maatan, who has spent nine years in occupation prisons, previously served as the Director General of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in the Tenth Government.
From Baraga, Maatan holds a graduate degree in Democracy and Human Rights. He is the father of four children.
Maatan’s wife Zubaida said that two weeks ago the prison administration stopped providing several cholesterol and prostate medications, as well as a medicine to prevent colon irritation and nutritional supplements. They are now offering only painkillers and different medicines instead of his usual regimen.
Prison officials also have delayed an agreement to provide him with special non-irritating food for his colon. Maatan’s wife noted that her husband is now considering a hunger strike as a protest against the Israeli occupation’s interference in his medication and failure to address his legitimate demands.
Maatan was brutally arrested by occupation forces last July, less than three months after his previous release, despite his ongoing need for medical care. In August, the Military Occupation Court in Ofer ordered Maatan to be held in administrative detention for another six months, despite his continuously worsening health conditions.
Zubaida Maatan claims that her husband is a victim of a grave crime by the occupation, as he was arrested twice in two months, disregarding his severe medical conditions.
She emphasized that his arrest is unjustified and lacks any charges, legal representation, or transparency, as his case remains classified.
Maatan’s health has deteriorated recently, with significant weight loss, overall body weakness, and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Prison officials have persistently delayed providing him with the necessary treatment. Having undergone multiple surgeries before his previous arrest, part of Maatan’s colon had been removed. Despite this, the cancer cells continued to spread, and there was a risk of further complications.
Reported by Abdullah Shehada
Edited by Lawrence Maushard
