Yigal Amir
Photo: Yaron Brener
Rabin murderer on hunger strike
Yigal Amir protesting transfer, punishments following unauthorized television interviews
Yigal Amir, the assassin of late prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, began a hunger strike on Sunday in protest of his punishments for giving unauthorized interviews to the media in late October. These include transfer to Ramon Prison.
The prison in the southern Negev, which houses some 700 Palestinian security prisoners, is considered one of Israel's most secure prisons. He is being held there is solitary confinement for the time being.
Pursuant to the transfer, the Israel Prison Services (IPS) removed non-basic personal items from his cell - including a television, DVD player and electric kettle – and is allowed only a bed, blanket, toiletries and a Bible.
Subsequent to giving television interviews, Amir was also denied the right to have family visits - including conjugal visits - or to use the telephone.
Following a public outcry, the television stations decided to archive the interview with Amir at this time without airing it.
