Israeli Police Officer Charged with Assaulting Teenagers

The Police Investigations Department (Mahash) has filed charges against a police officer accused of assaulting two 17-year-old boys in Jerusalem. The officer, who served as a community police officer, was part of a detail providing security for a Torah scroll dedication ceremony. A dispute arose between an event organizer and the two teenagers, who were seeking unpaid wages. The officer initially ordered the teens to move away from the venue and pushed one of them. When the teenagers attempted to re-enter the hall, the officer blocked them. After negotiations with the venue's director, the teenagers were paid their wages outside. Subsequently, the officer demanded identification from one of the teens, who refused. According to the indictment, the officer then repeatedly punched the teenager in the chest and ribs, knocked him to the ground, and continued to strike his head, causing injuries. The officer also assaulted the second teenager who intervened to protect his friend. The indictment, filed with the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, charges the officer with aggravated assault resulting in bodily harm. The investigation was conducted by Mahash's Jerusalem unit.