(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The US confirmed Saturday that 15-year-old Taeiq Khudeir, an American citizen of Palestinian origin, was beaten by Israeli authorities and is now being held in occupied Jerusalem
"We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force," said State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki in a statement
According to media reports Khudeir is a cousin of the 16-year-old Palestinian Mohammad Abu Khudair whose burned body was found on Wednesday. Khudeir is a high school sophomore from Florida. The incident reportedly took place outside the home of his murdered cousin
The US is "calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force," said Psaki
Psaki noted an official from the US Consulate General visited the boy today
She reiterated "grave concern about the increasing violent incidents," and call on all sides to take steps to restore calm and prevent harm to innocents
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