The IDF has launched a probe into the conduct of soldiers who were caught on camera two weeks ago shooting a rubber bullet at a blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinian in the West Bank. The incident took place on July 7 near the village of Nil'in which has been the scene in recent weeks of almost daily violent demonstrations against the construction of the West Bank security fence nearby. More.. According to the videotape, which the military said was reviewed by Judge Advocate General Brig.-Gen. Avichai Mandelblit, a Palestinian demonstrator - Ashraf Abu Rahma - is seen handcuffed and blindfolded and being led to a jeep by a high-ranking IDF officer The video clip shows a soldier aim his weapon at the demonstrator's legs from about 1.5 meters away and then fire a rubber bullet at him. Abu-Rahma said the bullet hit his left toe and that he received treatment from an army medic and was then released by the soldiers. The shooting took place in the presence of a lieutenant colonel, who is seen holding Abu Rahma's arm when the shot is fired. A fourteen-year-old Palestinian girl from Nil¹in filmed the incident from her house in the village, and B'Tselem received it this morning and immediately forwarded a copy to the Military Police Investigation Unit, with a demand that an immediate investigation be launched into the incident. In response, the IDF Spokesperson's Office released a statement calling the incident "grave" and saying that it was in "direct contradiction with IDF values and principles." "Military laws forbid inflicting harm on detainees and obligate soldiers to show them respect and ensure their safety. Incidents when detainees are harmed are, in accordance with IDF policy, forwarded to the Military Police for investigation. As in this case, after reviewing the videotape, the JAG Brig.-Gen. Avichai Mandelblit ordered the opening of a probe into the incident. It should be mentioned that the Palestinian was inspected at the scene by an IDF doctor and was found to have sustained a light injury to his right toe. The Palestinian was released to his home without requiring medical treatment," the statement read. Less..
The IDF has launched a probe into the conduct of soldiers who were caught on camera two weeks ago sh...
