DCI Report: IOA child arrests on the rise

[ 17/10/2010 - 11:16 AM ]

RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- The Defense for Children International (DCI) marked a sharp rise this year in Israeli arrests against Palestinian children in Jerusalem and the West Bank. According to Military Order 1591, military commanders may legally place Palestinian citizens under administrative detention without charges or trial for up to six months. The order also allows for sentences in such cases to be extended. Six months after Military Order 1644, relating to juvenile military courts, took effect, no changes were reportedly made in the military courts’ attitude as relates to trials against minors. However, in most cases there is a room inside military courts allocated for examining child-related cases. The change is considered a formality and does not meet minimum standards for fair trials against children as guaranteed by international conventions and principles. The movement said based on the testimonies of some children who were released from detention, Israeli police treated minors poorly and physically and morally tortured them to force out confessions. The use of violence when arresting children in front of their families with the use of beatings and intimidation with dogs could be a blatant expression to perpetuate the use of violence against children, the movement noted. The movement also highlighted recent decisions issued by Israeli courts sentencing children to be expelled from their homes.