US "profoundly troubled" by Israeli police's beating of American citizen

The United States said Saturday that it was "profoundly troubled" by an American citizen of Palestinian origin being beaten in Israeli police custody, calling for steps taken to keep innocents from harm amid rising rivalry between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Tariq Khdeir, a 15-year-old boy from Tampa, Florida, who had been visiting his Palestinian relatives in Jerusalem, was detained and beaten by Israeli police when he joined a demonstration Thursday following the death of his cousin, Mohammed Abu Khdeir, according to news reports.

• State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki confirmed that Khdeir is an American citizen and that he was visited by an official from the U.S. consulate general in Jerusalem Saturday.

"We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force," Psaki said in a statement. "We are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force."

The spokeswoman also voiced "grave concern" about the increasing violent incidents and urged both sides to take steps to "restore calm" and prevent harm to innocents.............................http://www.china.org.cn
/world/2014-07/06/content_32868799.htm
6/7/14
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•  Israel sentences Palestinian-American teen to house arrest

Tariq Abu Khdeir, 15, a high school student from Florida, was arrested and beaten in East Jerusalem during clashes over the killing of his cousin. 

Israeli police say a 15-year-old Palestinian-American who was severely injured during clashes with Israeli security forces last week has been sentenced to nine days of house arrest.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri says a Jerusalem court on Sunday ordered Tariq Abu Khdeir to remain at home in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina.

Israeli police say an American teenager who was detained during violent protests over the killing of a Palestinian youth has been brought before a court.

Abu Khdeir's parents say their son, who goes to school in Florida, was beaten by Israeli police during clashes over the killing of Mohammed Abu Khdeir who Palestinians suspect was killed by Israeli extremists in a revenge attack. The two young men are cousins.

Police say Tariq Abu Khdeir resisted arrest, attacked officers and was carrying a slingshot for lobbing stones when he was arrested.

The U.S. State Department said it was "profoundly troubled" by reports of his beating and demanded an investigation.......................http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.603292

6/7/14

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