Washington – The United States said on Thursday it was “disappointed” that an Israeli riot policeman was sentenced to community service, and not prison, for beating an American teenager of Palestinian descent last year, saying there was clear evidence excessive force was used.
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The teenager, Tariq Khdeir, was visiting from Tampa, Florida, as protests erupted in Jerusalem over the abduction and killing last year of his 16-year-old cousin, allegedly by three Israeli Jews.
Amateur video showed two Israeli riot policemen punching and kicking Khdeir, who was 15 at the time. He was left with a heavy black eye and swollen lip.
“Given the clear evidence captured on videotape of the excessive use of force, it is difficult to see how this sentence would promote full accountability for the actions of the police officer in this case,” State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
“We understand there is a possibility for the Israeli state prosecutor to appeal the decision, and we’re going to continue to follow that closely, as you might expect,” he added.
A court on Wednesday sentenced the policeman, whose name was not released, to 45 days of community service and a suspended term of four months in prison, a spokeswoman for the Justice Ministry’s police internal affairs department said.
If it was a US cop, the kid would be dead, as we’ve seen over and over in the US. So the State Dept should be happy that he just got roughed up.
He should more upset that an American student doing nothing wrong was murdered.
To the State Department – isn’t it flippen too bad !!! Next time make sure your citizens don’t go to another country and RIOT. If an American citizen act as hooligan and provoke police officers in another country don’t cry about it. Just because in America we use kids gloves Ex: in Ferguson, where all police do is watch Hooligan riot and burn stores, but are terrified to confront them does not mean other countries have to follow your lead. This bum was rioting and it is just too bad for him he got the beating he so rightfully deserves. Just because he is American does not mean he is “special” and can do what he wants any where in the world.
how about the sentencing or NON-sentencing of the Palestinian TERRORISTS killing American citizens and Israeli children
Is the United States disappointed with the Palestinian animal that stabbed and killed an 18 year old American in Gush Etzion today?
How many US cops beat up US citizens for committing no crime what so ever, and cause permanent damage, and get off scott free???!!!
Here we have a case of a US punk coming to Israel to participate in violent demonstrations. The punk got off way too easy. He needed to have some teeth removed at the very least. The US needs to apologize for the crimes of their citizens, and take some more responsibility, such as putting the rat on trial in the US, and thinking of ways to heal the international situation where their citizen causes such harm. Maybe they should send him back to Israel for a trial and jail term.
Seriously, this moral corruption of the US is going to have to be paid for.
יש דין ויש דיין.
U.S. Are you kidding me. First look at your crazy brutal officers with their excessive force on civilians and only then start telling any other country in the world what to do
The U,S, should condemn Israel for not using deadly force against captured terrorists and their families, as a result those terrorists were released in a prisoner swap and immediately, with their family and community encouragement, returned to terror, The first Intifada started after the ‘Jibril deal’ with over 1000 terrorists released, The second, after a few hundreds were released as ‘Good will gestures’ to Arafat, and the current one after the ‘Shalit exchange deal’ , again with over 1000 released, Other Islamic terrorist groups have taken note of weak European and American response, and are now taking aim at them, (mida keneged mida) and are now threatening more bombings in Paris and other European cities, as well as American sites with the White House being a prime target,
Any State Department comment on the American Jew who was murdered by terrorists today? Nah… Too busy being “disappointed” in Israel’s internal justice system. Got it.
If the US is truly so concerned about its citizens, lets see what their response will be regarding the US citizen who was (not beaten up)murdered in Israel today!
don’t get caught participating in protests & u won’t get hurt. 2nd of all mr obama- stop micro managing every move israel makes. r u upset with the PA naming a streets & public squares after terrorist killers?
Here in the US a cop kills, on video and can’t even get indited. This cop got a 4 month suspended sentence. Double standard for Israel.
It’s interesting that the state department has time to comment on what’s going on in Isreal only when it comes to criticise Isreal but but when 5 Israel’s were killed today they are no where to be found
The state department should shut up
You won’t see a statement from the White House; don’t hold your breath waiting for one. Obama y”sh will only express grief if the victim is Muslim. Otherwise, he cheers every time a Jew gets hurt or worse. He is a 3-piece suit terrorist,, and commits these actions by proxy. Only Israel is seen as heavy handed. There is one question every American needs to ask. Is Obama just incompetent, or is he really a traitor? His track record has shocked even the previously worst president – Carter.
And Israel is disappointed with Jonathan Pollard’s sentence handed down after the U. S. reneged on their plea deal.
I am dissappointed with the sentencing of Shalom Rubashkin! I am also truly dissapointed that Jonathon Polard had to spend 30 years of his life in prison for sharing info. with Israel that Israel was entitled to receive to begin with!
Oh yes, I forgot, the difference is that U.S. is rich and has political and economic clout!
Well, with the growing morality issues faced by U.S., if they don’t shape up, U.S. will be facing their unfortunate downfall, it happened to Rome, it happened to Greece, and it will happen to U.S. unfortunately too. I hope the Jews leave while they can, and leave with prosperity!