The Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday held a hearing on the appeal filed by left-wing activist Ezra Nawi, who was sentenced to one month in prison after being convicted of assaulting police officers and rioting during the demolition of illegal structures near South Mount Hebron in July 2007.
Nawi told the court that Israel's judicial system was operating in "a bubble of occupation."
Attorney Avigdor Feldman, for the defendant, said, "There exists a right to protest in a democratic manner – not only in words, but in action as well. The strength of a regime is measured by its ability to protect freedom of expression, even if this expression is at times appalling."
Leftists rally outside courthouse (Photo: Ohad Tzoigenberg)
Attorney Lea Tzemel, who is also representing Nawi, said the six-month suspended sentence her client received was "intolerable" because he had promised not to resume his activity on the ground.
"It is in the interest of all of us that Nawi continue to protect the residents of South Mount Hebron with his body in the face of harassments by the settlers, police and building authorities," she stated.
During the hearing some 30 left-wing activists rallied outside the courthouse. The protestors carried signs reading, "Nawi's conviction is a false conviction" and "Nawi's imprisonment – a reward for Hebron". Some wore "We are all Ezra Nawi" t-shirts.
Nawi told Ynet after the hearing, "I am realistic; people such as myself pose a threat. The court is one of the governing bodies, which operate inside the bubble of Israeli society, of the occupation."
The left-wing activist said he rejected a plea bargain offer, saying "I won't give them the pleasure. I will see this through. If they consider me a criminal, then they should rule accordingly. If not – then I should be acquitted."