Summary
The Human Rights Commission of Finland (Finn Right) has condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after he publicly described causing fear and distress in Palestinian detainees, including senior political prisoner Marwan Barghouti.
In a statement issued from Helsinki on July 19, 2026, the Commission called the remarks evidence of systematic psychological abuse, demanded an end to mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, and urged the international community to hold violators of international law accountable.
Who Is Itamar Ben Gvir?
Itamar Ben Gvir is Israel’s National Security Minister, a position that gives him oversight of the Israel Prison Service. He is a leading figure in Israel’s far-right political bloc and has drawn repeated international criticism for his approach to Palestinian detainees.
In the remarks that prompted this statement, he described Palestinian prisoners reacting with visible fear during his jail visits and said he found Barghouti “crying in terror.”
Who Is Marwan Barghouti?
Marwan Barghouti, 66, is one of the most prominent political figures in the Palestinian national movement. He has been held in Israeli detention since 2002 and is widely regarded, including in past opinion polling among Palestinians, as a potential future leader.
His continued detention and the conditions he faces are seen internationally as a bellwether for how Israel treats Palestinian political prisoners more broadly.
What Ben Gvir Said
According to Finn Right’s statement, Ben Gvir claimed that:
- He claimed that fear of his presence causes detainees to lose control of their bladder when he walks into their cells.
- He personally witnessed Barghouti “crying in terror” during a prison visit.
The Commission characterizes these statements not as isolated rhetoric, but as a public endorsement of a broader policy of humiliation, one that Ben Gvir has reportedly instructed prison staff to continue.
Why This Matters Under International Law
International law requires that all detained persons, regardless of the charges against them, be treated humanely and with dignity.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has previously condemned Ben Gvir’s confrontations with Barghouti specifically, describing them as an attack on his dignity that risks encouraging violence against Palestinian detainees more broadly.
Finn Right’s statement places the current remarks in that same pattern, arguing they represent an escalation rather than an isolated incident.
Finn Right’s Demands
The Commission issued four formal demands:
- Condemnation A strong condemnation of Ben Gvir’s statements and the mistreatment policies they reflect.
- Immediate cessation An end to all forms of torture, and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of Palestinian prisoners.
- Release and due process Release of Palestinian prisoners held without legal basis, and fair trials for those who remain in custody.
- International accountability Action from the international community to uphold detainee rights and hold violators accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ben Gvir say about Palestinian prisoners?
He said detainees urinate on themselves out of fear during his visits, and that he found Marwan Barghouti crying in terror.
Who is Marwan Barghouti?
A prominent Palestinian political leader, 66, held in Israeli detention since 2002.
What is the Human Rights Commission of Finland’s response?
Finn Right condemned the remarks as evidence of psychological abuse and called for an end to mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.
Has the UN commented on Ben Gvir’s conduct toward detainees?
Yes. The UN Human Rights Office previously called his confrontations with Barghouti an attack on his dignity.
What does Finn Right want done?
An end to mistreatment, release of prisoners held without legal basis, fair trials, and international accountability.
Finland’s Broader Position
Finland has repeatedly raised concerns about Israel’s use of administrative detention the practice of holding individuals without formal charge or trial.
Finn Right closed its statement with a direct principle: dignity is not a privilege that can be granted or withheld, but an inalienable right belonging to every person in custody.
Human Rights Commission of Finland: dignity isn’t optional. Read why we’re speaking out
Finn Right Human Rights Commission of Finland
Helsinki, July 19, 2026