Israel frees Palestine minors after 3 years in custody

RAMALLAH, Palestine

Israel on Thursday released two Palestinian children following three years of detention, according to a Palestinian NGO.

“The Israeli authorities have released the two minors -- Shadi Farah, 15, and Ahmed al-Zatari, 15 -- from northern Israel’s Tamra detention center,” the Palestinian Prisoners Society said in a statement.

“Farah and al-Zatari were both arrested in December 2015 and were later sentenced to two years each behind bars and a fine equivalent to $1,400,” the NGO added.

The pair was convicted on charges of attempting to “inflict serious harm” on Israelis.

Although the children were sentenced a full year after having been detained, the year spent in custody was not deducted from their jail terms.

According to Palestinian figures, some 6,500 Palestinians -- including scores of women and hundreds of minors -- are currently languishing in Israeli jails.