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Oscar-winning director released after charges disputed by Israeli authorities

Politiko 2025-03-25 20:55:53

Oscar-winning director released after charges disputed by Israeli authorities

Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Balal, known for his Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," has been released by Israeli authorities after a sensational detention in the West Bank. He and witnesses have said he was raped by Israelis stationed in the occupied territory.

According to the New York Times, Israeli police had questioned Balal and two other Palestinians on suspicion of stone-throwing, damaging property and endangering regional security. However, all three detainees have denied the charges through their lawyers.

Details of the incident remain unclear.

The parties have given different versions of Balal's arrest. Eyewitnesses have reported that the arrest occurred during an attack by Israelis stationed in the West Bank on the outskirts of the village of Susiya, where Balal lives. According to him, he tried to defend his house from the attack, but was hit in the head and threatened by Israeli soldiers with weapons.

Israeli journalist Yuval Avraham confirmed the arrest through a post on X, stating that Balal was being held at a police station.

“I fell to the ground, they hit me all over my body,” Balal said after his release. He also claims that during his detention he was blindfolded, taunted by Israeli soldiers and had objects placed on his head, while hearing ironic comments like: “This is the Oscar-winning director.”

His arrest has caused widespread reactions in international circles, with various human rights organizations demanding a full investigation into Balal's treatment by Israeli authorities.

 

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