In Response to Adalah’s Representations, Haifa District Court found that Raja Eghbaria’s Health Condition is Concerning, and the Administrative Detention Order should be Reconsidered

Yesterday, the vice president of the Haifa District Court, Judge Avi Levy, cancelled a hearing scheduled for today 4 June 2025, at which the court was set to review the four-month administrative detention order issued against Raja Eghbaria, a 73-year old Palestinian citizen of Israel from Umm al-Fahem and the leader of the Abnaa Balad political movement. Instead, Judge Levy instructed the state to reconsider its position in light of the medical reports indicating concerning health conditions and the serious allegations by the defense team of Eghbaria’s mistreatment in prison and to respond by 6 June.

The court delivered this decision in response to a request for reconsideration submitted by Adalah’s General Director Attorney Dr. Hassan Jabareen and Attorney Hadeel Abu Salih. The request included a detailed description of the harsh circumstances of his detention since 9 April 2025, almost two months. According to the testimonies and documents presented to the court, Eghbaria was violently assaulted by prison guards, leading to a broken leg and an inability to move independently. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) also consistently refused to permit Eghbaria to meet with his lawyers for most of his detention period.

In his decision, Judge Levy stated that he carefully reviewed the information and documents provided by the defense team and concluded that the state authorities, including the IPS, must respond to the claims regarding Eghbaria’s health condition and mistreatment. He then referred the relevant information to the Defense Minister, who issued the administrative detention order, and requested a reconsideration of the state’s position.

Adalah welcomed the court’s decision and commented:

“Since his arrest, the Israel Prison Service has systematically mistreated Raja Eghbaria, denying him medical treatment and meetings with his lawyers. This behavior highlights the political persecution of Eghbaria, under the guise of administrative detention. Adalah will continue to oppose the illegal policy of administrative detention, and the torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners.”

Related press releases

Adalah Files An Urgent Petition Demanding Immediate Medical Care and Legal Access for Political Leader Raja Eghbariah held in Israel under Administrative Detention, 20 May 2025