Russian-’Israeli’ Historian Tortured in Shin Bet Custody

By Staff, Agencies

Russian-"Israeli" historian Artyom Kirpichenok has allegedly been subjected to harsh treatment while in Shin Bet custody, including interrogations lasting up to 24 hours, sleep deprivation, prolonged handcuffing and threats, according to his lawyer.

Kirpichenok, 51, disappeared on August 2 after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport from Yerevan. His whereabouts remained unknown for nearly three weeks before supporters revealed that he was being held at a detention facility in Petah Tikva.

His lawyer, Inna Lebedinskaya-Katz, was allowed to meet him for around an hour on Sunday after repeatedly requesting access, according to Russian-born artist and writer Nika Dubrovsky, who is campaigning for his release.

Citing the lawyer, Dubrovsky said Kirpichenok had faced interrogation sessions lasting 18 to 24 hours while being deprived of sleep.

He was kept handcuffed and forced to remain hunched over on an iron stool fixed to the floor, while several interrogators shouted at him, threatened him and applied constant pressure. He was also allegedly threatened with life imprisonment.

Dubrovsky said Kirpichenok was in "tolerable physical condition" but was "exhausted, tormented and deeply depressed."

He is reportedly being held underground with the lights on around the clock and has been denied books and writing materials.

The allegations have not been independently verified. However, international human rights groups have previously documented sleep deprivation and painful restraints during Shin Bet interrogations, while the "Israeli" Supreme Court has ruled against deliberately using prolonged sleep deprivation to break suspects.

A gag order remains in force, and Kirpichenok's defense has reportedly not received the case files or details of the accusations.

Kirpichenok, a dual Russian-"Israeli" citizen and Middle East expert, is known for criticizing "Israel's" policies toward Iran and Palestine. Moscow has sought information from "Israeli" authorities and said it is closely monitoring the case.