Adalah files complaint on behalf of Palestinian minor attacked by army dog during detention
On 18 December 2015, Adalah filed a complaint to the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG) and the Attorney General (AG) demanding an investigation into the circumstances of the arrest of Youssef Tarabeen, a 16-year-old Palestinian minor from the Gaza Strip. Tarabeen was arrested by Israeli authorities on 24 September 2015 with his friend, 17-year old Hani Sharatha, while trying to leave Gaza to the Israeli city of Beer Sheva to find work. The case was brought to Adalah's attention by its partner Al Mezan Center for Human Rights.
Adalah Attorney Nadeem Shehadeh wrote in the complaint that Tarabeen had been severely abused during his detention. After separating the two boys, one of the soldiers "pulled off the gag of a dog standing twenty meters away, and then unleased the dog which ran to the child and attacked him. The dog bit the minor's right arm. After fighting with the dog, the minor was able to free his right arm, but the dog managed to bite the palm of his left hand. At the same time, the minor heard the soldiers laughing from a distance." Tarabeen was then taken to a military base, where he signed a document in Hebrew without understanding its contents. In addition, during his hours of detention, the minor was not allowed to eat or drink, and a soldier kicked him.
Following the attack by the dog, Tarabeen was taken for medical treatment at Barzilai Hospital, and then to a local hospital in Gaza. Adalah's complaint included medical documents attesting to the treatment that was needed for Tarabeen, and noted that Tarabeen is still suffering from physical and mental injuries as a result of the events.
Attorney Shehadeh argued in the letter that the case exhibited grave violation violations of both domestic and international law. "The incident described above, and the affidavit of the client attached, raises serious suspicion of the use of improper practices amounting to torture and cruel treatment, which are prohibited under Israeli law and international law, as expressed in international conventions that Israel is a party to." Adalah therefore demanded that the MAG and the AG immediately open an investigation into the incident.
