U.S. Teen Faces Israeli Military Court: What’s at Stake in the Stone-Throwing Charge?

The Case of Mohammed Ibrahim: A Teenager’s Struggle for Justice

Last February, 15-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim was abruptly taken from his home in the middle of the night by Israeli soldiers. They accused him of throwing stones in the West Bank. Mohammed is Palestinian-American, and his family splits their time between Tampa, Florida, and a village in the West Bank. His mother, Muna, remembers that unsettling night vividly: “They blindfolded him, handcuffed him — they just took him,” she said. Since then, Mohammed has been in an Israeli prison, away from family contact.

Things took a grim turn as he turned 16 behind bars, facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. Each court hearing has been delayed without solid resolutions, adding to the family’s anxiety. His father, Zaher, mentions that the delays in military court can extend for hours, with hearing times unpredictable. It’s been nearly nine months, and they are still waiting for answers.

According to recent statistics, over 9,000 Palestinians, including many children, have been detained since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. This number highlights a troubling trend, as the Israeli military has been enforcing tougher measures under special West Bank security laws. These laws characterize stone-throwing as a serious crime.

The maximum penalty is harsh: 10 years for harming a person or property, and 20 years if targeted at a moving vehicle. Mohammed faces the latter charge after admitting to throwing a stone near a road—though he asserts he didn’t hit anything. This has raised questions among legal experts. Lea Tsemel, a well-known Israeli lawyer, explains that the military justice system often uses severe sentences as leverage to encourage plea deals. In most cases, minors charged under these laws do not end up serving the lengthy sentences they initially face.

Recently, U.S. officials who have visited Mohammed reported that he suffers from scabies and has lost significant weight. Concerns about his well-being have led to calls from some members of U.S. Congress for the government to take action on his behalf. They’ve urged U.S. officials to engage with Israel regarding his case, emphasizing his alarming health condition and signs of mistreatment.

While the Israeli military claims that defendants are provided legal representation and due process, many observers argue otherwise. Tsemel points out that minors often encounter roadblocks in accessing basic rights and support during their incarceration.

Zaher Ibrahim has tried to navigate this complicated system with a glimmer of hope that his son’s next court date will bring resolution. As the family deals with the emotional toll of Mohammed’s absence, they are also grappling with another tragedy. In July, Mohammed’s cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, was killed by Israeli settlers—a loss that Muna dreads having to explain to her son when he’s finally free.

This case underscores a heartbreaking reality for many Palestinian families affected by the ongoing conflict. As they wait for justice, they hold onto hope for change amid overwhelming challenges.

Source link