Israel's Justice Ministry says police have charged an officer who was filmed beating a Palestinian-American teenager during a violent protest in July.
The ministry said Wednesday a police investigation concluded that "evidence was found supporting the guilt of the police officer suspected of severe violent crimes."
Tariq Abu Khdeir, who lives in Tampa, was beaten at an east Jerusalem protest that followed the gruesome death of his cousin. Israel said the 15-year-old was "taking an active part in the riot."
Tariq Abu Khdeir denied any wrongdoing.
His cousin, 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir, was burned to death by Israeli extremists in revenge for the killings of three Israeli teens in the West Bank.
Their deaths set off a chain of events that led to a prolonged conflict in Gaza.
Tariq's family believe the charge is only being filed because the beating was caught on video and the fact that Tariq is an American citizen.
"I just want justice for what the Israeli police did to me and I don't want this happening to me, to anyone else," Tariq said. "Especially, any children."
"It's a shame that in order for them take action it had to be an American citizen that this happened to," said Tariq's mother, Suha Khdeir.
Tariq said he believes two more Israeli soldiers should also be facing charges in his beating.
"I hope that every officer that took part in my beating is taken to justice," said Tariq.
The Isreali Justice Ministry has not named the soldier or the exact charge he's now facing.