Israeli soldier faces charges over alleged abuse of Palestinian detainee
The military says a conscript remains in custody as prosecutors prepare an indictment over alleged abuse at an army post near Jenin in October.
By Larissa Bell ·
An Israeli soldier is expected to face charges over the alleged severe abuse of a Palestinian detainee in the West Bank last month, the military announced Tuesday. Details published by Channel 12 described an assault on a man who was restrained and awaiting questioning at an army post.
The detention took place on October 22, when troops from the Paratroopers Brigade were inspecting vehicles at the Gilboa Crossing, north of Jenin. Soldiers found a knife in the Palestinian man's car and detained him. According to Channel 12's account of the case, he was then taken in handcuffs to the nearby Jalamah army post.
The man was being held at a guard post pending questioning by the Shin Bet security service, the report said. A soldier stationed there allegedly kicked him and hit him with a gun butt while he was handcuffed and blindfolded. Channel 12 also reported that the soldier lit cigarettes and put them out on the detainee's body.
The allegations described by the broadcaster included the soldier urinating on the man and defecating inside the post. He allegedly smeared feces on the detainee's face and body and urged him to eat it. These details were reported by Channel 12, while the military confirmed that it was investigating severe abuse of a restrained Palestinian detainee.
According to the report, other soldiers noticed a strong smell when they arrived at the post and discovered what had happened to the man. They were shocked and alerted their commanders. The battalion commander subsequently referred the case to the Military Police, which opened an investigation following the commanders' reports, the military said.
One conscript was arrested in connection with the allegations. Channel 12 reported that, during questioning, the soldier acknowledged hitting the detainee but rejected the remaining accusations. His version of events nevertheless conflicted with information gathered by Military Police investigators and accounts provided by other soldiers, according to the broadcaster.
The military said it released the Palestinian man after the incident. Channel 12 reported that he later gave testimony to Military Police about the alleged abuse.
A military court ordered the suspect to remain in custody until November 12, allowing a hearing to take place before prosecutors submit an indictment, the military said. The unnamed soldier's defense attorney told media that they would not comment while the investigation remained underway.
