The protest against the Israel Security Agency (ISA or Shin Bet)’s treatment of suspects in the Duma arson case literally came knocking on MK Bezalel Smotrich (Jewish Home)’s front door Monday morning, after the MK found a protest tent set up outside his home. 

Protestors had stayed overnight to demand the State of Israel stop the torture, which legal experts believe may be contrary to Israeli law. Demonstrators looked to Smotrich – who is known for being outspoken – to bring the issue to the Knesset table.

Smotrich, despite the spontaneity of the visit, joined the protestors as guests, bringing them hot tea and discussing the situation. 

“This morning, I found a group of protestors outside my home,” Smotrich stated to the press Monday. “They spend the night in the freezing cold and are demanding an immediate change in government policy in relation to the detainees undergoing constant abuse.” 

“I can only sympathize with them and I will bring up the issue today in the [Jewish Home] faction meeting, and hopefully to the Prime Minister,” he continued. “Torturing citizens belongs to a dark regime, not the State of Israel.” 

Outrage over the handling of the Duma case has snowballed after it was revealed the suspects had reportedly been refused basic religious rights such as lighting Hanukkah candles, been banned from seeing their lawyers or family, and that at least one has been denied medical treatment after being beaten during arrest. Recently, a suspect was even denied clean underwear.

Civil rights groups have called for the ISA to be investigated over the torture, which – if proven – may run contrary to Israeli law. In one case, the ISA was found to have illegally detained one of the suspects, a minor, for longer than the 20 days mandated by law. 

The protest tent follows a tumultuous protest in Jerusalem over the issue late Sunday night, with thousands blocking roads into and out of the city in response to news that the ISA torture had prompted one youth to attempt suicide.