An Israeli rights group has said that the military regularly abuses Palestinian prisoners, including children, after their arrest.
In its annual report, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel mentions 90 cases of detainees said to have been mistreated by soldiers, AFP reported.
“On certain occasions, the ill treatment of Palestinian detainees is highly violent, resulting in serious injuries,” the report said.
“At other times, abuse manifests itself in a routine of beating, degradation and additional abuse.”
“Minors, who must be granted special protection under both Israeli and international law, are also victims of abuse,” the group said.
The report, which covers the period from June 2006 to October 2007, lists numerous cases of Palestinian prisoners who were abused “after they had been arrested, bound and no longer posing a threat to soldiers.”
It criticized what it called “the absolute indifference” shown by the military hierarchy, the defense ministry and the parliament.
More than 11,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are suffering under harsh conditions in Israeli prisons.
MSH/GM
Abufazl 