(JTA) — A State Department spokesman criticized an Israeli court for failing to jail a police officer caught on video beating a Palestinian-American teenager.
John Kirby told reporters on Thursday that the United States is “disappointed” by the decision to sentence the officer to community service in connection with the beating of Tariq Abu Khdeir in 2014.
READ: Beating of Palestinian-American teen a black eye for Israel
“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,” Kirby said.
The officer, who has not been named publicly, was sentenced Wednesday to 45 days of community service and a suspended prison sentence of four months, Reuters reported, citing Israel’s Justice Ministry. He was convicted of assault and battery by the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, where he admitted to the charges in a plea bargain.
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