JENIN, March 1, 2011 (WAFA) - More than 400 political prisoners in Megiddo prison suffer from serious deterioration in health and living conditions, according to a letter issued by Megiddo prisoners Tuesday.

Prisoners called human rights and humanitarian organizations and associations of Palestinian and Israeli doctors to save prisoners from these severe conditions.  

Large numbers of prisoners are in immediate need of surgical operations and medicines for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and asthma.

Prisoner Yusef Saad , 27, from Jenin who is sentenced to 15 years said in the letter that Megiddo prisoners suffer from harsh conditions; rats and insects are rampant in the prison, blankets are lacking and unusable and prison authorities refuse to let new blankets in, and there are limitations imposed on water use.

Prisoners submitted an official complaint letter in English to specialized bodies in human rights and humanitarian organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, asking them to send committees to check on prisoners’ conditions.

Prisoners said that Israeli authorities are continuing in the use of oppressive polices through charging special units to break into the prison at night, assault prisoners, force them to undress and isolate them.

Prison administration also transfers prisoners and imposes high fines for no good reason and bans prisoners from receiving visits.

R.S./F.J.