Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 8:04 Click here, Tragedy in Ayalon Prison: Gur Hamel died after being denied medical care, for Honenu’s first report of Hamel’s death.
Honenu recorded a conversation (see below) between Gur Hamel and a representative of the organization, most of which is Hamel heard screaming in excruciating pain, approximately 11 hours before he was found dead in his prison cell. “Do something. I’m dying of pain. I’m doubled over in pain. … Get somebody here. Call the Ayalon Prison. … They’re not treating me. I’m dying of pain. … Do something. I don’t know who to call. …,” Hamel cried out.
In light of the conversation, Honenu Attorney Adi Keidar, who represented Hamel, immediately wrote a letter to the Ayalon Prison, demanding that the prisoner receive urgent medical treatment. That evening, Keidar was informed by the prison authorities that Hamel had received treatment, and that there was nothing unusual about his condition. The following morning, before Keidar was informed of Hamel’s death, he sent another letter to the Ayalon Prison authorities, demanding that the prisoner be evacuated to the hospital for life-saving medical treatment. Two hours later, Keidar was notified that Hamel had been found dead in his cell early in the morning.
Honenu Attorney Adi Keidar: “The writing was on the wall. For months, weeks, and all the more so just yesterday, we repeatedly sent letters demanding an examination of his medical condition. None of our letters received proper attention, and so we reached this sad situation. We will not be silent until the matter is completely clarified.”
Upon hearing the news, Hamel’s family said that negligence on the part of the Prison Service caused his death, “The Prison Service has blood on their hands. Gur pleaded for medical treatment for many days, but the response was contempt and scorn. We have no words.”
Today (Tuesday) at 17:00, Hamel’s funeral is expected to be held at Kibbutz Sa’ad, where he grew up.
The audio recording. WARNING: Hamel’s distressed screams are distinctly heard.