70 staff members held for questioning in mental hospital abuse scandal
Yearlong investigation reveals a ‘conspiracy of silence’ in Petah Tikva private treatment center
Police on Wednesday detained 70 staff members of a private mental health hospital in Petah Tikva for questioning in relation to allegations of long-term physical and sexual abuse of patients. Seven of the employees were formally arrested.
The hospital has a staff of 100 and houses 160 patients aged 20-70, many of them considered difficult cases. The center became the target of a yearlong police investigation, conducted with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, after family and friends of patients brought their suspicions to the authorities.
According to a Ynet report, about 150 police officers participated in the Wednesday morning raid. Police emphasized that not all of those detained are suspected of committing acts of abuse and that many were simply being held for questioning.
“This is a case of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and sub-par treatment,” Petah Tikva police chief Sigal Bar-Zvi told Ynet. “Following our investigation and the collection of evidence from the detainees, we will decide which ones to arrest.”
“There is a conspiracy of silence,” she added. “The investigation is difficult and complex.”
“We received complaints about physical abuse,” an anonymous police official told Maariv. “A portion of the inmates suffered severe burns, some injuries and some light wounds. A portion of the staff performed the acts, but another part knew and did nothing to prevent the abuse.”
The investigation is ongoing and patients from the institution, which has been closed, have been transferred to another location, in conjunction with the Health Ministry.
The Times of Israel Community.