The Israel Police denied allegations Saturday that officers beat a Palestinian during a recent arrest, imprinting the Star of David on his cheek, saying the reports on the incident were "biased and distorted."
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The suspect, in his 30s from the Shuafat refugee camp, was arrested last week on suspicion of drug possession with intent to distribute.
According to an official statement, "materials suspected to be drugs were confiscated in an amount not intended for personal use," including over two pounds of substances believed to be hashish, ecstasy, methadone, and other drugs.
The police said officers had no choice but to use force as the detainee violently resisted arrest and that the mark on his cheek was most likely made by a boot pressed against his face.
"At a certain point, the suspect began to lose control, and violently attacked officers and resisted arrest," the statement said. "Due to his actions, police were forced to use reasonable force until the arrest process was completed.
"As part of the investigation, the suspect's detention has been extended by the court until August 20. If there are complaints about a particular behavior, they should be examined by the relevant authorities," it said.
The suspect's attorney, however, accused the officers of brutality and racial animus – allegations that the forces denied.
None of the sixteen officers involved in the arrest had their body cameras on at the time, reportedly due to a technical problem.
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