Army violence (Illustration)
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Soldier says commander slapped him for tardiness
Soldier claims commanding officer grabbed, shook and slapped him on the face for being late. Officer claims self defense; Military Police investigates
Military police are investigating a soldier's complaint that he was hit by his base commander, a lieutenant colonel, for being late. In a preliminary investigation the commander claimed he was acting in self-defense.
The confrontation between the commander and the soldier, who enlisted 18 months ago and serves in an administrative position, occurred in a base in northern Israel on Tuesday.
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According to the soldier, while waiting for lunch near the mess-hall the commander, furious with him for his tardiness, grabbed him forcefully, shook him and slapped his face.
In the complaint the soldier noted the assault happened in the presence of other soldiers.
He then reported the incident to the Military Police and was later examined by a doctor for a hand wound. The soldier added that the event traumatized him and made him cry.
The soldier further noted that his tardiness was caused by his family's difficult socio-economic status, claiming he was late for base duty because he had to help his parents.
The base launched an investigation to decide whether to open disciplinary or criminal procedures against those involved.
The preliminary investigation confirmed physical contact between the commander and his subordinate. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that "the incident is known and will be investigated in the unit. When the investigation is completed proper measures will be made."
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