Tariq Abu Khdeir: I Will Never Think of Freedom in the Same Way Again

Local Editor

The American-Palestinian teenager Tariq Abu Khdeir, whose relatives say was beaten by "Israeli" authorities, returned home to Florida on Wednesday, saying he will never think of freedom in the same way again.

Abu Khdeir, 15, and his mother flew back to Tampa on a flight arriving late Wednesday and were greeted by about 50 cheering supporters waving Palestinian flags.

"I am only 15, but I will never think of freedom the same as I did two months ago," Tariq said upon arrival at Tampa International Airport.

The teenager said the thoughts and prayers of the supporters had helped him, adding that, "I got through these past two weeks because I knew you were all thinking of me."

Hassan Shibly, the teen's attorney and the executive director of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, had said Tariq suffered head trauma and had to receive stitches on his face when beaten two weeks ago as he was arrested by "Israeli" authorities.

Tariq's beating was videotaped, showing what appeared to be "Israeli" border police beating and kicking a handcuffed semi-conscious figure lying on the ground, before dragging him away.

"Israeli" authorities released Tariq shortly after his arrest and sentenced him to nine days of house arrest while they investigated what they say was his participation in "violent protests" over the death of Tariq's cousin, 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir. Mohammed Abu Khdeir was killed by "Israeli" extremists exacting revenge for the alleged abduction and killing of three Zionists in the occupied West Bank in June.

Tariq's arrest happened shortly before "Israel" attacked seized Gaza recently over the last week.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team