The city of Fontana has agreed to pay nearly $900,000 to Thomas Perez Jr. to settle a federal lawsuit after police pressured him into falsely confessing to a murder that never happened. During a 17-hour interrogation, officers used various tactics to coerce Perez, who was distressed and sleep-deprived, into admitting to killing his father, who was later found alive and safe. The lawsuit highlighted the extreme psychological pressure and deprivation Perez endured, leading to the settlement.
Dr. Itai Pessach, director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, described the physical, sexual, and psychological abuse suffered by the Israeli hostages who were recently released by Hamas after more than 50 days in captivity. Pessach revealed that the hostages had significant physical injuries and medical problems, including signs of branding and handcuffing, as well as evidence of sexual abuse. He also highlighted the psychological torment inflicted by Hamas, including telling the hostages that Israel no longer existed and separating family members as a form of psychological torture. Pessach emphasized the need for specialized care for the freed hostages, as they are now considered world experts in receiving people who have been held hostage.
Hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on Israel were drugged and subjected to psychological and sexual abuse, according to an Israeli doctor. The hostages, including children, were given benzodiazepines and ketamine to keep them docile. They were also subjected to psychological torment, including being shown brutal videos and being told false information about their loved ones. Some hostages experienced self-harm and suicidal thoughts, while others continue to suffer from dissociative states. The mental health toll is staggering, with around 400,000 people in Israel expected to suffer from symptoms of PTSD. Plans are underway to create a center to treat PTSD following the attack.
Hamas drugged Israeli hostages with tranquilizers before their release, making them appear in good spirits during the filming. The revelation came during a Knesset Health Committee meeting discussing the health conditions of the hostages. The hostages were given Clonex (Klonopin), a sedative and muscle relaxant, to improve their mood. The drugging was part of the psychological terror inflicted on the hostages, along with physical violence, psychological torture, and neglect. The hostages also suffered from significant weight loss, malnutrition, lack of Vitamin D, digestive problems, and eating disorders. Relatives of the hostages urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free their loved ones. The Health Ministry documented evidence of war crimes committed against the hostages while they were in the hospital.
Actress and activist Leah Remini has filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige, alleging years of harassment, stalking, defamation, and "psychological torture." Remini claims to be one of thousands of targets of Scientology and asserts that people should be able to share their stories without fear of retaliation. The lawsuit accuses Scientology of carrying out these actions through its "Office of Special Affairs" and alleges that the organization's policies call for the suppression and destruction of critics. Remini seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to end Scientology's policies against critics.
