The U.S. government has raised concerns about Israel’s arrest of an American teenager whose cousin was burned to death by Israeli extremists earlier this summer.
The State Department says it was never notified by Israel after Mohammed Abu Khdeir was arrested at his home in east Jerusalem on July 28. It also says Israel appears to be singling out members of the Abu Khdeir family for arrest.
Relatives say that 19-year-old Abu Khdeir — born in Baltimore — was arrested at his home after participating in protests following the killing of his 16-year-old cousin on July 2. Another cousin, 15-year-old Tariq Abu Khdeir of Florida, was badly beaten by police the same week.
Relatives say Mohammed Abu Khdeir remains in custody.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld declined comment.
Source: AP