Feb 11 • 08:51 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

The state is not releasing the body of an Arab-Israeli shot by the IDF, even though it is unclear whether he was a terrorist

The Israeli government has refused to release the body of an Arab-Israeli man shot by the IDF, acknowledging uncertainty about whether he was a terrorist.

The Israeli government has faced criticism for withholding the body of an Arab-Israeli man from Ramla, who was shot and killed by the IDF in December. This situation has persisted for two months despite the state's admission that it does not know whether the individual was involved in any terrorist activities. The refusal to release the body has raised concerns regarding the treatment of Arab citizens and issues relating to military accountability.

During a recent Supreme Court hearing, Judge Khaled Kabub expressed disapproval towards the military prosecution's handling of the case, emphasizing the problematic nature of presuming guilt without evidence, saying it is akin to claiming 'he's guilty until proven innocent.' The family has requested an autopsy to clarify the circumstances of the death, but the state has denied this request, stating that no criminal investigation will be opened regarding his death, thereby making an autopsy unnecessary for investigative purposes.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Israeli society concerning the treatment of Arab citizens, especially in cases involving the military. The lack of transparency in this case may further provoke community outrage and deepen mistrust towards state institutions, potentially impacting broader Israeli-Arab relations.

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