JERUSALEM — An Egyptian Coptic cleric who was mistreated during Orthodox Easter services is threatening to sue.

Video supplied to The Associated Press shows Israeli police shoving Arsanious el-Orshalimi and putting him in a headlock. The incident took place during Orthodox Christian Holy Saturday in Jerusalem's Old City earlier this month.

The event drew thousands of people to the area, and hundreds of Israeli police were on guard.

A dozen church leaders in the Holy Land later signed a letter expressing concern over the incident.

El-Orshalimi says he will not remain silent and will "take this issue to court because of all the pain that I suffered."

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Friday the officers involved are being questioned.

He said police will work to prevent such incidents in the future.