United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the video of far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s threatening visit to Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti in prison was “distrubing”, Al Jazeera reported on Friday.
“I can tell you that the video is disturbing,” Dujarric told Al Jazeera.
Family members said they were concerned by how gaunt and tired the 66-year-old, much-loved leader looks. Barghouti has been dubbed the Palestinian Nelson Mandela.
“It’s worth reminding that, prisoners need to be treated… in a way that abides by international law and that respects their inherent dignity,” Dujarric added.
“He, like any other prisoner, needs to have his rights fully respected and his safety needs to be ensured,” the spokesperson added.
Barghouti has been detained since 2002 and has been assaulted while in prison, including as recently as last year.
