The Israeli Military Court in ‘Ofer prison sentenced, Wednesday, a young Palestinian child identified as Malak al-Khatib, 14 years of age, to two months imprisonment, and 6000 New Israeli Shekels fine. The soldiers alleged she “hurled stones at them,’ and “carried a knife.’
Al-Khatib, from Beiteen village near Ramallah, was taken prisoner on December 31 2014, and was subjected to interrogation and harsh treatment without legal representation.
Her family was never allowed to see her, and were prevented from talking to her during the court session.
The court sentenced the child to two months imprisonment, and ordered a 6000 NIS fine, the Ahrar Center for Detainees’ Studies has reported.
Head of the Legal Unit of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) Jawad Boulos said Israel’s policies of detaining, interrogating and sentencing children are direct violations of international treaties and laws regarding the protection of civilians, especially the children.
“The violations start from the moment of their arrest; such kidnappings are carried out in very violent, and extreme, manner,” he said, “The children are interrogated and tortured, physically and emotionally during interrogation; the abuse they face significantly affects their lives, and future.”
The child’s father said the Israeli claims are baseless, and that the soldiers just falsify their reports and testimonies, similar to what they did to hundreds of children, who ended up sentenced, and imprisoned.
Her mother stated she could not approach her daughter to hug her, or just to talk to her and see how she is doing, as the soldiers and the military judge denied them this basic right.
The child is currently held at the HaSharon Israeli prison, facing very difficult conditions and ongoing harassment.
