Police deny Leef’s requests for medical treatment for seven hours

Social activist Daphni Leef was treated Saturday for injuries sustained during clashes with police that took place during a demonstration on Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Boulevard on Friday. Her arm was placed in a cast.

Leef and 11 others were arrested in what was widely described as a violent sweep of crowd control.

According to Leef, her requests for medical treatment while in police custody went unanswered for seven hours. After police conditionally released the activists, Leef’s lawyer stated that the detention had “crossed a red line.”

Police officials told Israel Radio that the arrested activists would be indicted, but made no comment regarding Leef’s alleged mistreatment.

Leef and hundreds of demonstrators were attempting to revive last summer’s wave of social protests by pitching tents on the central Tel Aviv street, as they did 12 months ago.

Activists on Friday were met by police and other municipal officials, who prevented the crowds from erecting any structures. The melee that ensued spawned accusations of violence and assault from both sides.