In a tragic turn of events, Mutasim Amin Arman, a young Palestinian 21 years old, was arrested for the third time from his home in the town of Ein Yabruod, east of Ramallah, on the morning of October 7th. Mutasim, who holds American citizenship and was born in the United States, faces harsh conditions and repeated human rights violations.
The arrest operation was carried out in the presence of a large number of armed soldiers, who stormed the house at dawn and imposed a siege on the family on the upper floor. Meanwhile, Mutasim was trapped in his room on the lower floor, where he was severely beaten before being taken out blindfolded. The only witnesses to these events were his family members.
Mutasim faces administrative detention without clear charges, which has outraged his family and the local community. The family has appealed the ruling, but they have not received a response from the court so far. Unfortunately, no real international pressure has been exerted for his release.
Since his last arrest, none of the family members have been allowed to communicate with Mutasim, nor have they been able to deliver his needs to the prison. After spending nearly a month in the notorious Huwara camp, he was transferred to Megiddo prison, where prisoners suffer from harsh conditions and the spread of scabies, which causes severe itching and skin rashes. Megiddo prison is known for its difficult conditions, where prisoners are held in cramped and overcrowded cells, suffering from a lack of healthcare and basic necessities.
Mutasim has been subjected to torture and abuse by Palestinian Authority forces several times due to his union activities at Birzeit University. Arman was kidnapped by Palestinian Authority forces and subjected to physical and psychological torture, which significantly affected his mental and physical state.
Despite the suffering, Mutasim maintains high spirits and remains steadfast in his faith and cause. The family is experiencing great tension and anxiety, especially after learning of his scabies infection. Mutasim’s father was recently released from Israeli prisons, adding to the family’s psychological burden.
Mutasim’s arrest has had a significant impact on his family members, who suffer from psychological and physical pressures. The family tries to cope with the situation despite the difficulties, but the challenges persist.
Mutasim aspired to become a pharmacist, a dream his family was proud of. However, the harassment by Israeli forces and Palestinian Authority security agencies disrupted his educational journey, delaying his academic dream. Mutasim was one of the most beloved students at his university, and his case has sparked widespread controversy.
The family hopes that Mutasim will be released soon so he can return to his studies and achieve his dreams. They call on the international community and human rights organizations to support Palestinian detainees and demand broader solidarity activities to support the prisoners.
The family urges the international community to rise up for the freedom of prisoners and raise awareness of the oppression, starvation, and humiliation they face. They also hope that Mutasim will return to them in good health and continue his path to becoming a successful doctor.
Mutasim’s spirits remain high, and his faith in his cause is strong despite all the difficulties. The family continues to fight for his release, with great hope that the day will come when he regains his freedom and returns to his normal life and studies.
Article by Noura Manassra
