The Police Internal Investigations Unit has opened an investigation into the incident in which a Shuafat resident claimed arresting officers had branded him with a Star of David, police spokespersons said late Tuesday night.
One of the officers involved in the incident was called in for questioning on Wednesday.
The man, who had been arrested for drug offenses, alleged on Saturday that he had been abused in police custody — blindfolded, beaten, and by unknown means branded with a Star of David. The suspect’s lawyer said that the shape had been cut into his cheek with a sharp object.
Did Israel Police officers torture a drug offense suspect and brand his face?
The attorney said that the assault, torture, and attempted humiliation of his client was an example of police brutality. The drug crime allegations didn’t warrant that level of force.
The 16 arresting police officers allegedly turned off their body cameras to conceal their conduct.
THE JUSTICE Ministry offices in Jerusalem. (credit: YOSSI ZAMIR/FLASH90)The police spokesperson said Saturday that the allegations and publications distorted events to portray them in a racial light.
The Shuafat man’s house was raided with a warrant, and large quantities of drugs were found, including hashish, ecstasy, and methadone. The suspect allegedly violently attacked the officers and resisted arrest. The police had to use physical force to restrain the man.
The police claimed that the cuts on the man’s face resembled the shoelaces on the boots of one of the arresting officers.
Joanie Margulies contributed to this report.
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