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Photo: AP
Rights group - Handcuffs caused paralysis
Photo: AP

Hamas operative sues Shin Bet for abuse

Young Palestinian said to be involved in suicide bombing attempt says prolonged confinement in handcuffs left his arms paralyzed

The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel issued an urgent letter to Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Thursday, demanding he take action against the physical torture they say was inflicted upon him by Shin Bet interrogators.

 

The detainee, Amaad Hutari, a 23-year-old resident of Qalqiliya, was arrested last month and brought to the Kishon detention facility for questioning.

 

In its letter the committee asserts that Hutari testified he was being abused during a court hearing contesting his arrest. Hutari's arrest was extended by the military court but the judge ordered his interrogation be halted until the facility's medical ward gave Hutari a thorough examination.

 

Hutari claimed that his hands had been restrained for a prolonged period of time and became paralyzed as a result.

 

The following day Hutari was examined by the facility's physician and later sent to undergo a neurological examination at the Rambam hospital in Haifa. The hospital's report said that the Hutari's complaint of weakness in his hands was likely the result of "protracted strain."

 

The hospital scheduled a follow-up examination for Hutari next week.

 

"Prior to his arrest, Hutari was in excellent health and did not suffer from any previous medical conditions. The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel demands the attorney general order an internal criminal investigation against the Shin Bet interrogators and, should Mr. Hutari's claims be proven, hold them accountable for their actions," the committee wrote in its letter of complaint to Mazuz.

 

'Hutari revealed his involvement in planned attacks'

Security officials said in response to the rights group's claims that Hutari is a member of Qalqiliya's Hamas terror infrastructure and who earlier this year was involved in an attempt to carry out an attack inside Israel which was foiled by Israeli forces.

 

"His investigation was carried out in accordance with all protocols and procedures and was closely monitored at all times. During his questioning Hutari confirmed he belonged to Hamas and revealed his involvement in several planned attacks against Israelis," they said.

 

"In addition to this he also handed over information regarding others, including a Hamas terrorist who was in the process of preparing to carry out a suicide bombing. Hutari's information was authenticated and we arrested those other men.

 

"We are aware of the claims made by Hutari and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, those claims are being investigated by the Justice Ministry. It should be noted that Hutari was examined by a doctor in the Kishon detention facility and underwent an examination at the Rambam hospital.

 

"None of the tests corroborated Hutari's claims that he was paralyzed and no further treatment was recommended – save for medication intended to ease the symptoms he described as feeling."

 

Efrat Weiss contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.23.07, 00:45
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