The Israeli authorities released their youngest Palestinian prisoner on Tuesday. Khalid Sheikh, aged just 15, had been detained for nearly four months, Anadolu Agency has reported.
Describing the experience of his detention, the youngster accused Israel of not respecting children. “The [Israelis] attacked me with rifle butts on the head and insulted me during the investigation,” he said. “Although I suffer from anaemia, they did not give me any medical help, apart from some painkillers.” He added that it was a “tough” investigation. “I was insulted and beaten and held in shackles for hours in a small cell.” This did not scare him. “This is the [Israeli] occupation. It will not scare us.”
Khalid’s father Hussam said that his son’s release from prison was “the most beautiful moment of my life”, but expressed his sadness that the 15 year-old had to go through what was clearly a terrible ordeal. “This will have left negative effects on him and our family,” he pointed out. “This is the real face of Israel, it violates rights and freedoms.” He called for greater solidarity with the prisoners until they are released.
The Israeli army arrested Khalid on 24 December, and sentenced him to 4 months in prison with a fine equivalent to $500. He was found guilty of throwing stones at military vehicles enforcing Israel’s brutal occupation near his home.