Riot in Jerusalem
Photo: AFP
J'lem: 11 haredim indicted for rioting
State presses charges against ultra-Orthodox residents of Jerusalem who took part in riots following city's decision to keep parking lots open on Shabbat. Police says more indictment to follow
The Jerusalem District Prosecution filed rioting charges against 11 of the capital's ultra-Orthodox residents – five minors and six adults – who took part in the riots which erupted in the city earlier in the week.
The capital's haredi community protested the city's decision to keep parking lots open on Shabbat.
Police forces arrested 57 rioters during the demonstration. The 11 indicted are charged with disorderly conduct, illegal assembly, disturbing public peace and aggravated assault of a police officer.
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The police told the court that the riot was "dangerous and violent," adding that the protestors hurled bottles and stones at police forces, "with the intent of inflicting bodily harm."
The defendants, added the indictment, "attempted to obstruct the police… They took part in an illegal gathering with the intent of disturbing the peace and intimidating the public."
The police also asked the court to remand some of the defendants to custody pending the completion of the legal proceedings.
Attorney David Halevy, representing two of the accused, told Ynet that his clients "deny all of the allegations against them."
Sources in the Jerusalem Police said more indictments are expected to follow.
