New documentation of the assault on protesters in the Jordan Valley refutes the officer and soldiers' claims
20 April 2012
A new film that was obtained by B'Tselem shows the minutes that preceded the violent incident in which the Former Jordan Valley Brigade deputy commander assaulted international and Palestinian protesters.
The incident, which took place in the Jordan Valley on Saturday, 14.4.2012, was filmed by Palestinian TV
. In the video, the activists stopped by security forces at the al-A'uja Junction are seen assembling with their bicycles in front of the soldiers and getting ready to start cycling. One activist begins to ride towards the line of soldiers, and an army officer is seen grabbing his bicycle. Lt. Col Shalom Eisner then begins shouting at the activists and assaults five of them using both his hand and his weapon as a club. Soldier who arrest an international activist are also seen kicking and beating him. Contrary to the version provided by Lt. Col Eisner, the film shows no violence by the activists. B'Tselem will provide all material to the Military Police Investigation Unit (MPIU).
Footage filmed by Nablus TV. To view more videos click here.
In reaction to the new video, B'Tselem Executive Director Jessica Montell, said:
"The video disproves claims that the soldiers responded to violence by the activists. This severe case of violence illustrates the sense of impunity felt by the deputy brigade commander. In fact Israeli security forces are almost never held accountable for violence against Palestinians."
