JERUSALEM, Feb 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) – An Israeli army officer was charged with failing to prevent his soldiers from beating two Palestinian detainees, Israel’s army said on Sunday.
The commanding officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was indicted for “failing to prevent a crime, negligently causing injury and conducting unbecomingly as an officer,” Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson’s Unit said, in a statement.
The officer was suspended until further notice, the army said.
According to the indictment, the lieutenant “noticed his soldiers were acting very violently towards the Palestinian detainees, who were handcuffed and blindfolded, but did not prevent them from continuing to beat the detainees.”
On Jan 31, five soldiers were charged with striking two Palestinians with slaps, punches, and bludgeons, while they were handcuffed and blindfolded, causing them severe injuries.
Two of the soldiers were also charged with obstructing justice, after they allegedly coordinated their versions of the story to avoid arrest.
Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups often report abuses of Palestinians’ rights during arrests, but these allegations are usually not followed with indictments.– NNN-AGENCIES
