Prisoner on 2-month hunger strike collapses during High Court hearing; MK Tibi treats inmate at justice´s order

A Palestinian prisoner who went on a hunger strike 66 days ago collapsed Thursday during a hearing on his case at the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem.

Justice Elyakim Rubinstein asked Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta´al), a gynecologist, to treat the prisoner.

Tibi was initially blocked by guards from the Israel Prison Service´s Nachshon Unit, but he was eventually allowed to treat the prisoner after Justice Rubinstein instructed the guards to let him pass.

The prisoner, Balal Diab, apparently lost consciousness due to weakness. He was later escorted out of the courtroom by prison guards. According to Tibi, the prisoner´s heart rate was 48 beats per minute and his body temperature dropped to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

"He can barely feel his feet and must be evacuated to the hospital," Tibi pleaded with the prison guards.

The MK later told Ynet that "the prison guards´ conduct was outrageous and made a mockery of the court. Someone has to be held accountable." Moran Azulay contributed to the report (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/03/12)