WTSP.com reports that an American boy, Tampa teenager Tariq Khdeir, a 15-year-old student at the Universal Academy of Florida high school in Tampa, is being detained in Jerusalem following an attack carried out by Israeli defense forces, as claimed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Young Khdeir was attending a demonstration following the death of his 16-year old cousin, Mohammed Abu Khdeir, who was allegedly burned alive in retaliation for the three Israeli teens who were kidnapped and killed.
A video of the alleged beating can be viewed here.
The State Department issued the following statement:
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.
.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.
Image: www.shutterstock.com
