The U.S. has condemned the beating and detention of a 15-year-old American citizen called Tarek Abu Khdeir by Israeli police in Jerusalem.
A statement from Jen Psaki, U.S. Department Spokesperson, reads the following:
“We can confirm that Tariq Khdeir, an American citizen, is being held by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem. He was visited by an official from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem today.”
“We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force. We are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force,” the source added.
“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,” the source closed.
The 15-year-old Tarek Abu Khdeir was arrested earlier by the Israeli authorities after protesting the burning alive of his cousin, which lead to this latter’s death.
The burning alive was explained by political experts as a blind retaliation act from Israel after the kidnapping and killing of 3 Israeli teens in East-Jerusalem.
The Israeli authorities said, through Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that they arrested the Jewish suspects connected to the burning of the Palestinian teenager whose death ignited violent protests.
Netanyaho said the crime is “horrific” and “must be condemned with the most forceful language.”
Natanyaho offered condolences to the Abu Khdeirr family.
The Moroccan Times.
