RAMALLAH, February 22, 2011 (WAFA) – Interrogators from Israeli General Security Service (shabak) attempted to rape a detained Palestinian child in Etzion prison, south of Bethlehem, according to lawyers from the Ministry of Prisoners.

The lawyers said that they had an affidavit from a detained child about an attempt to rape him by Shabak interrogators who actually started raping him after stripping him down, but the child began to scream.

The interrogators told him if he confesses about stone throwers they would release him, but threatened him with sexual assault if he refused. The child, in fear, confessed about himself and others.

The ministry said detained children in Israeli prisons face unimaginable violations of the rights guaranteed by international laws and conventions, least of which are torture, abuse and beating of detained children as well as rape attempts.

The Israeli authorities detain large numbers of children in cramped spaces, which hinder their movement, sleep and daily activities. The children are also put on trial despite being under 18, and they are denied family visits, it added.

The ministry said what several legal centers confirmed that majority of detained children were arrested while playing in the street, from their houses or schools, and were abused and oppressed to the point of sexual harassment.

Medical neglect policy has increased the number of detained sick children by 30. The Israeli authorities do not provide them with suitable treatment and do not allow them to see specialized doctors, the ministry said.

R.Q./M.A.