Female Palestinian prisoners in Damon prison suffering increasingly harsh conditions

The Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS) has reported that 13 female Palestinian detainees held at Damon prison are suffering increasingly harsh conditions at the hands of the authorities.

The PPS said that the women are forced to stay in cold cells, with windows left open and scarce supplies of clothing and blankets amid wintry temperatures.

According to the statement, the women have suffered particularly harsh treatment at the hands of prison guards. They are reportedly shackled, blindfolded and dragged when they are escorted to meetings with lawyers or relatives.

The detainees have also been frequently and unexpectedly transferred between cells - a measure it says is intended to undermine any sense of stability or routine within the prison.

Some of the women reported prison guards entering their cells during the night while they were asleep. These intrusions have forced the women to sleep with head coverings.