The gag order on the “Prisoner X” affair was partially lifted Wednesday night. A court ruled that media outlets may reveal that there was indeed an Israeli citizen, who held foreign citizenship as well, who was held in an Israeli prison under a false name.
The prisoner was given a false name for security reasons.
While the prisoner was given a false identity while in jail, his real family had been informed of his whereabouts. He also had lawyers – attorneys Roi Belhar and Boaz Ben-Tzur – who were aware of his situation.
The prisoner’s case “was followed by the most senior staff in the Justice Ministry, and his rights were protected,” state sources said.
The prisoner “was found dead in his cell two years ago,” they said. “One and a half months ago an investigation concluded that the death was a suicide.”
“The file was passed to the state prosecution to determine if there had been criminal negligence.”
Further details of the case remain under wraps due to security concerns.
Australian media outlets began reporting on the Prisoner X affair two days ago. Reporters managed to find the prisoner's parents, who confirmed that "Prisoner X" was their son but declined to speak about his death, saying it was too painful to discuss.