RAMALLAH, February 28, 2011 (WAFA) – Israel arrested 181 Palestinians during the month of February, most of whom were minors, according to a Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPC) report published Monday.

The report said Israel employs vicious methods of torture, with 16 cases of beating using rifle butts, sticks and kicking mostly in the head, in addition to severe psychological effects.

It also stated that the conditions of sick prisoners in the Ramla prison, most of whom have chronic illnesses, have deteriorated due to medical negligence and poor hygiene.

One prisoner who developed throat cancer in prison underwent surgery which led to loss of speech. Another, who was hit by several shrapnel and is disabled, was sentenced to 10 life sentences and the prison administration refuses to release him.

Israeli jails force prisoners’ families to undergo humiliating strip searches when visiting. Prison administration also conducts random searches of the prisoners themselves and their cells.

HaSharon prison installed a metal detector, exposing the prisoners to harmful radiation each time they enter and leave their cells.

The report said that in addition to the arrests, Israel extended the detention of 254 other prisoners.

There are a number of detention and interrogation centers in Israel: Ramon, Shatta, Galboa, Asqalan, Hadarim, Al-Damoun, Be'er Sheva, Ofer, Megiddo and the Negev detention camp.

 Israel permits human rights organizations to investigate few of these facilities; however there are also countless secret places where Palestinians are detained, in addition to other places where the bodies of dead Palestinians are still held.

M.N./F.J.