Why does Idek punish Eliezer with a whipping?

Idek punishes Eliezer with a whipping primarily because Eliezer witnesses Idek in a compromising situation with a girl. In the context of the story, this act of seeing something that Idek intends to keep private puts Eliezer in a vulnerable position. Idek's reaction is fueled by a desire to assert his power and control over the other prisoners, showcasing his own feelings of humiliation and anger. In totalitarian environments like the one depicted in the narrative, such acts of authority are not uncommon; petty tyrants like Idek often lash out at those who inadvertently threaten their perceived dominance or dignity. This punishment serves as a grim reminder of how fear and oppression manifest in the experiences of the characters.