RAMALLAH, February 20, 2011 (WAFA) – Loay Okka, Prisoner’s Club Lawyer, said that Israeli Ashkelon Prison’s administration Sunday escalated their harsh measures against Palestinian prisoners through intensifying  inspections and provoking problems.

The prison’s administration provokes problems to justify refusing  to meet Palestinian prisoners’ demands despite prior approval given to them, he said.

Okka added that they refused to allow prisoners to buy some food for a whole month and the administration continues punishing the prisoners although the month has passed.

The number of prisoners in Ashkelon prison range between 140-150 prisoners; 20% detained and 80% convicted, all residing in two sections, section five has 86 prisoners and section 4 has 64.

The prison holds some prisoners who have been detained for over 25 years.

T.R./F.R.