Police reopen probe into pepper-spray attack on boy

Israeli police have reopened an investigation into the pepper-spraying of a nine-year-old Armenian Christian boy in Jerusalem. The decision follows the initial closure of the case despite video evidence capturing the assault on security cameras, according to reports from Israeli journalist Yossi Eli.

Eli stated that the authorities would now collect camera footage following his exposé and the public shock regarding the incident involving William. He noted on social media platform X that the police response was only triggered by the exposure, describing the situation as sad rather than gratifying.

The young victim, identified only as William, was riding his bicycle near the Mamilla neighbourhood during Yom Kippur. This day is recognized as the holiest in the Jewish calendar. The boy was listening to music through headphones when the incident occurred.

A group of men approached him and demanded he remove his headphones, which he complied with immediately. After hearing him speak English, one of the men shouted a phrase rejecting English and Jews before spraying him directly with pepper spray in the unprovoked attack.

Video footage shared by Eli shows William crying inside an ambulance while receiving medical attention. His mother is seen reassuring him that his younger sister, Arev, is safe during this distressing moment following the violent confrontation on the streets of Jerusalem.

Eli reported that this marked the second attack on William. In the previous incident, he was accompanied by his father who intervened to protect him. This time, however, the boy was alone when the group approached him near the neighbourhood area.

The journalist highlighted that the police had initially closed the case despite clear security camera evidence. The reopening comes after significant public outcry and media attention brought the details of the assault to light, forcing authorities to revisit their earlier decision to drop the matter entirely.

This development underscores the role of journalistic exposure in prompting official action. The case remains under investigation as police prepare to gather further evidence from surveillance systems. The community continues to react to the violence against the minor during the holy day period.