Arab-Israeli riot near Jerusalem
Photo: Reuters
Judge on Arab stone-throwers: We have enough enemies outside Israel
Court rules Arab-Israeli teens charged with stoning police officers remain in police custody, says 'taking advantage of democracy and freedom of speech in such cases is akin to biting the hand that feeds you'
The Haifa Magistrate's Court ruled on Sunday after ruling that three Arab-Israeli teens who took part in disturbances related to the IDF's offensive in Gaza will remain in police custody until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
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"We have enough enemies outside the country, and no one must be allowed to weaken Israel's security forces from within by throwing stones or staging riots," Judge Moshe Gilad determined.
"Abusing democracy and freedom of speech in such cases is akin to biting the hand that feeds you," he said.
The indictments in question relate to two separate cases: The first involves a 16-year-old resident of the Western Galilee region who was charged with throwing stones at police officers and setting tires on fire. Another indictment was filed against two Arab teens aged 16 and 17, also for throwing stones at officers.
The Hadera Magistrates' Court initially ruled that the teens be released, but the State's appeal to the District Court on the matter was accepted.
Some 700 Israelis have been arrested since the launching of Operation Cast Lead 16 days ago for allegedly taking part in violent riots throughout the country, mainly in Jerusalem and the North.
About 90 police officers have been injured during these disturbances.
