Turk Captured by Israel Soldiers Transferred to Civilian Police

The Israeli police were today given custody of the Turkish prisoner of war captured by Israeli soldiers last month during their attack on terrorist bases in northern Lebanon. The transfer from military to civilian authority may be a sign of the government’s willingness to deport the Turkish national to his native Turkey where he will then be tried by the local authorities. He can also now be brought before an Israeli civilian court as a member of a terrorist organization.

Parallels between the case of this prisoner and that of Adolf Eichmann have already been mentioned by some legal experts who point to the capture of both men outside of Israeli territory and for crimes not committed on Israeli soil. During Eichmann’s trial, the Israeli court based its decision on British precedents when trying pirates and other criminals brought from afar. The court ruled that the presence of the defendant in court was sufficient reason to try him. irrespective of the means employed to bring him to the country.

An Israeli television correspondent who was granted an interview by King Hussein of Jordan, has been barred by Israeli authorities from undertaking the assignment. Eddie Sofer reportedly had been making approaches to Jordanian authorities for the past six months. Hussein finally agreed to receive him at the Royal Palace in Amman on the understanding that the King would discuss his proposed plan for the federation of the West Bank with Jordan. At the last minute, the Israeli government intervened on grounds that the interview was not necessary. Sofer has made no comment. It is believed that the government was disturbed at the prospect of an Israeli journalist entering enemy territory for an interview.