Action: Demand the release of Tarek Abu Khdeir

Following the brutal abduction and murder of 16-year-old Mohammad Abu Khdeir in Jerusalem, his cousin, 15-year-old Tarek Abu Khdeir, a Palestinian-American child in Jerusalem on holiday from Tampa, Florida is […]
Tarek Abu Khdeir, after beating by Israeli police.

Tarek Abu Khdeir, after beating by Israeli police.

Following the brutal abduction and murder of 16-year-old Mohammad Abu Khdeir in Jerusalem, his cousin, 15-year-old Tarek Abu Khdeir, a Palestinian-American child in Jerusalem on holiday from Tampa, Florida is in Israeli detention after being beaten by two undercover Israeli police agents last night.

Despite needing critical medical attention for severe injuries to his head and face, the Israeli authorities denied medical treatment for 5 hours before he was transferred to Hadassa Hospital. He was then taken directly to court and is currently in detention at the notorious Russian compound (al-Maskobiya), known for brutal interrogation and torture techniques.

His father, Salah Abu Khdeir, asked that his son be seen at a hospital of the family’s choosing, but was denied, and was subsequently denied having an Arab doctor present during Tarek’s treatment. Although his son was unconscious, he was chained to the bed. While in the hospital, his face had swollen to a degree to which he could not speak when conscious and blood was also found in his urine, concerning family that there could be internal bleeding.

He has not yet been formally charged, though prosecutors claim he was throwing stones despite being unable to provide any evidence to the court. When asked by the court under what basis Tarek was being held, prosecutors said they were still “collecting evidence.” His hearing is scheduled for Sunday, July 6.

MORE INFORMATION

Video of Tarek Abu Khdeir’s beating by Israeli authorities: s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDENWwEDGr4

From Addameer: Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association in Palestine:://www.addameer.org/etemplate.php?id=706

An interview on ABC News with Suha Abu Khdeir, Tarek’s mother: abcnews.go.com/International/video/woman-horrified-sons-alleged-beating-hands-israeli-police-24437468

For additional information, contact: (703) 879-6353 or [email protected]

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1) CALL the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and demand Tarek’s release and access to medical case. The embassy’s number is +972-3-519-7575

2) CONTACT Representative Cathy Castor (://castor.house.gov/contact/), Sen. Marco Rubio (://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact and on twitter @MarcoRubio) and Sen. Bill Nelson (://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill and on twitter @SenBillNelson) to let them know you expect them to do something about what happened to their young constituent. 

3) WRITE letters to your local papers, ask for coverage of Tarek’s beating and detention and demand his immediate release. 
 
4) ORGANIZE or attend rallies in your area! Details on rallies here: ://uspcn.org/2014/07/05/july-5-emergency-protests-for-palestine-in-chicago-dc-and-elsewhere/