Israel releases Palestinian youth Ahmed Manasra, who developed schizophrenia after being arrested at age of 13

(RNS, 11-04-25) Israel on Thursday released Palestinian youth Ahmad Manasra, who was arrested at the age of 13, under horrific circumstances and was allegedly subjected to brutal torture and denied medical care in custody, leading to the development of serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.

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Manasra was arrested at the age of 13, for being with his 15-year-old cousin Hassan Manasra, who allegedly stabbed two Israeli settlers near the illegal settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev in occupied East Jerusalem in 2015.

Hassan was shot dead by an Israeli settler while Ahmad was run over by a car, beaten and taunted by Israeli passers-by. A video showing Ahmad lying in the street, bleeding from the head and pleading for help while Israelis taunted him, garnered widespread attention.

Another video of Manasra undergoing harsh interrogation in Israeli custody also sparked outrage.

He was later convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison, despite not being directly involved in any crime. According to doctors, Manasara developed schizophrenia in solitary confinement and has repeatedly tried to harm himself.