Israeli police officer charged with beating American teen during East Jerusalem protests
Heather Saul
An Israeli policeman has been charged with assaulting a 15-year-old American of Palestinian descent during a protest over the apparent revenge killing of the teenager's cousin
Tariq Khdeir was allegedly attacked during protests against the death of Mohammed Abu Khadair in June, before the eight-week conflict with Gaza began. Three Israelis have been charged with the murder.
Police said at the time Khdeir was one of six protesters detained during the clashes in East Jerusalem. They said he resisted arrest, attacked officers and was carrying a slingshot when he was detained
Israel has since released him and he returned to Florida in mid-July.
The policeman allegedly grabbed the teen and threw him to the ground, before pummelling him and dragging him away with the help of other officers during his arrest, according to an indictment submitted to a Jerusalem court.
After a video of Tariq’s arrest was circulated online, the US State Department urged a "speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force" against the American teen.The video showed Tariq with facial injuries after the assault.
The two-page indictment did not identify the teenager, but a Justice Ministry official confirmed to Reuters it concerned the Florida teenager.
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