Four youths hiking on Tuesday morning, in the area of the Psagot Junction in the Binyamin Regional Council in Shomron, were arrested by the police on suspicion of violating a closed military zone order. The youths reported to Honenu that during their arrest they were beaten by Yassam (Special Forces) Police. After interrogation the youths were released.

The youths also reported that during their hike the Yassam policemen jumped out, apparently in a planned ambush, and called out for them to immediately stop. When the policemen reached the youths they hit two of them and struck the head of one of them on the ground. As a result of the beating the policemen evacuated the latter for medical treatment after the interrogation.

Civilians who were at the nearby gas station arrived at the scene of the arrest and demanded identifying details from the policemen.

The youths who were arrested were taken to the Shar Binyamin Police Station on suspicion of entering a closed military zone. It should be noted that the area had been under a closed military zone order that expired last week and according to the police was renewed just now. Honenu attorney Adi Kedar was in contact with the arrestees at the time of the interrogation and assisted them.

At the end of the interrogation the four youths were released on condition that they agree to appear for interrogation if they are called.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)