Israeli Authorities Detain Autistic, Disabled Palestinian Boy, Subject Him to Violence and Abuse

Local media has reported that a 14-year-old autistic and disabled Palestinian boy is being held in detention by Israeli authorities, subjected to violence and abuse by guards and inmates. The boy, who was identified as being on the autism spectrum and fully disabled, was arrested during a family visit to the occupied West Bank and has been held for two weeks without charges. His mother and lawyer have spoken out against the brutal conditions and violence he is facing, with reports of handcuffing, beating, and humiliation.

Key Takeaways:

• The 14-year-old autistic and disabled Palestinian boy has been detained by Israeli authorities for two weeks without charges, sparking concerns about his well-being and treatment.
• The boy appeared four times before the Juvenile Court in Bat Yam, where his detention was extended each time, with the most recent extension being for one week.
• His lawyer, Jgal Dotan, has reported that the boy has communication and orientation challenges and has described severe violence by guards in the detention facility.
• The boy is being held in inhumane conditions, including a lack of mattress, cold temperatures, and scarce food, with reports of constant hunger and cold.
• The Israel Prison Service claims that the boy is being held upon a court order and that his rights are fully protected, however, Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including children and women, who are subjected to torture, hunger, and medical neglect.

Statistics:

• Over 10,000 Palestinian detainees are being held by Israel, including children and women, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.
• The boy has been detained for two weeks without charges, with his detention extended four times before the Juvenile Court.
• The boy is being held in a facility with inadequate conditions, including a lack of mattress and cold temperatures, with reports of constant hunger and cold.

Sources:

• The Daily Haaretz
• Public Committee Against Torture in Israel
• Saja Misherqi Baransi, lawyer with the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel
• Jgal Dotan, lawyer for the autistic and disabled Palestinian boy
• Israeli Prison Service
• Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.