The US State Department has called for a swift investigation of the severe beating of an American teenager in Israeli custody. Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement on Saturday that America is “profoundly troubled” by reports of the American-Palestinian boy’s treatment while in Israeli custody.
“We are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force,” she said.
Tariq Abukhdeir, 15, is the cousin of Muhammed Abu Khudair, the boy lynched and murdered by Jewish settlers last week. Tariq was beaten brutally by masked Israeli police on Thursday evening in the Shuafat neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem. He was arrested, held without charge and denied medical treatment, claim his family and the Addameer rights group.
“We reiterate our grave concern about the increasing violent incidents, and call on all sides to take steps to restore calm and prevent harm to innocents,” Psaki added. She confirmed that the boy is held in Israeli custody in Jerusalem, and that a representative of the US consulate has visited him.
Earlier this morning, Tariq was released.