Military Court
Photo: Hanan Greemberg
Detained IDF deserter on hunger strike
Man's attorney says 37-day hunger strike has placed his life in danger; military says his condition is 'closely monitored'
An IDF deserter who was detained by military authorities has been oh a hunger strike for 37 days, Ynet learned Thursday.
The 25-year-old's attorney said his life is now is danger. He is currently hospitalized in the Edith Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.
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The man was absent without leave for 950 days. He was incarcerated in March, several days before his trial was set to begin.
He demanded the IDF release him, citing financial hardship – which he also listed as the reason for his desertion – but the military denied his petition.
Some 37 days ago, he declared a hunger strike, drinking only water. After being hospitalized, he has continuously refused medical treatment.
His lawyer told the Jaffa Military Court that her client's life was in danger, and asked the court to remand to a hospital prison ward. The court denied the petition.
The defector's relatives told Ynet that "Even if he is trying to manipulate the system – he shouldn’t pay for it with his life."
An IDF Spokesperson’s statement said that "The soldier is currently standing trial for desertion. We respect his right of privacy and cannot comment on the case. We regret the way by which he has chosen to deal with the grave charges he faces. He is under the close care of medical professionals."
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