Former IDF soldier and Middle East expert detained in Israel

Israel's internal security service, SHABAK, has detained Artem Kirpichenko, a St. Petersburg-based historian and Middle East specialist, according to Darya Mitina, secretary of the OKP and chair of the "New Labor" union.

Detention Details

Kirpichenko, who holds dual Russian and Israeli citizenship, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport from Yerevan on August 2. Mitina reported that communication with the historian was lost immediately upon arrival. For three days, his location remained unknown, and his communication devices were seized.

Following search efforts by relatives and colleagues and the filing of a missing person report in Israel, it was determined that Kirpichenko is being held in a secret police detention center. The specific grounds for the arrest have not been disclosed, as his Israeli lawyer, Inna Led, is under a non-disclosure agreement.

Background and Motivations

Mitina suggested the detention may be linked to Kirpichenko's public criticism of the Israeli government and state policy. "Artem does not hide his views and evaluates the modern Israeli state and its government extremely critically," Mitina stated, noting his international recognition as a critic of Tel Aviv's policies.

Kirpichenko lived in Israel for approximately 20 years and served in the Israeli military. In recent years, he has lived and worked in St. Petersburg as an author and expert in Oriental studies and the modern history of Hungary, including the publication of "The People's History of Israel." Despite his critical stance, he visited Israel regularly and had no prior legal issues in the country.

Current Status

Public organizations and associates are preparing petitions and official appeals to Israeli authorities requesting his release. Mitina has also called on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene on behalf of the Russian citizen.

As of the time of publication, Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the detention.

Source: This article was adapted from an original Russian-language publication by Pravda.Ru.