Salameh al-Atrash, head of Al-Qassum Council arrested near his home • He claims the arrest was made for political reasons and was beaten by police • Later he was taken to Soroka Hospital

• The head of the council claims to have been beaten by police

The head of the Al Qasum council, Salameh al-Atrash, was arrested this morning (Wednesday) near his home by the Israeli police and taken for police interrogation in the Yoav unit.

According to Salameh, the arrest was politically motivated because of his struggle against the demolition of houses in the diaspora. Salameh further said that during his illegal arrest, he was beaten by the police. "I was arrested for only one reason. I am waging an uncompromising fight against the demolition of houses in the Bedouin sector in the Negev. The arrest is political, illegal and I am democratic. Shame on the police for doing so in a public selection."

The police said that "during an aid operation by another authority in promoting the series in the Al-Trash area, Molde, the police noticed a man traveling in the car while talking on his cell phone. The police asked him to stop. The driver stopped his car, approached the police, asked them to leave and refused to identify himself. them.

"Due to his refusal to identify himself, the driver was detained for questioning, where he felt unwell. He was ordered medical treatment and after he was identified, he was released. Later, a report will be sent to him about using the cell phone while driving."

Police vehemently denied his allegations that he was beaten.