Asks settlers to conduct legitimate protest. Mazuz
Photo: Reuters
‘We will not tolerate road-blockings’
Attorney General Menachem Mazuz meets with Yesha Council heads; says authorities will not be forgiving when it comes to road-blockings and violent acts
We will not act in a forgiving manner when it comes to acts of violence and road-blockings, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said Wednesday during a meeting with Yesha Council heads.
During the meeting he requested that the settlers conduct a legitimate protest campaign during the disengagement and refrain from resorting to illegal activities and to demonstrations that would shut down the country.
State Prosecutor’s Office representatives and Mazuz told the Yesha Council heads that the authorities would not tolerate road-blocking incidents.
Regarding the incident in which an anti-pullout protester poured oil and nails on a highway, Mazuz said that if he would be caught he would be charged with endangering human lives, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
“Now you must show responsibility and public courage and conduct a legitimate struggle,” he told the Yesha representatives.
Mazuz also asked the Yesha Council to condemn insubordination and express a willingness to cooperate.
The Yesha representatives told Mazuz in response they believe their struggle is legitimate.
“As far as we are concerned, the current battle against (Prime Minister) Ariel Sharon’s dangerous plan – which came about from his attempt to close the criminal cases against him and his family – including any civil, democratic, and non-violent act is legitimate,” one of them said.
The Yesha Council heads warned of violent outbreaks by the anti-pullout activists in case the government representatives would continue to thwart the ‘peaceful’ protest.
Mazuz and State Prosecutor Eran Shendar accepted the Yesha Council heads’ invitation to visit Gush Katif.
