Arabs, Jews clash with police
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Night ends in 12 arrests
Photo: AFP
Akko Riots lead to 2 cases of arson
Relative calm restored in Akko after night of rioting that led to 12 arrests, three civilian injuries, and massive property damage resulting from fires set in two apartments owned by Arabs
A tentative calm has been restored to Akko after the late-night riots that surged through the city Friday, a third night of violence ending with 12 arrests, two cases of apartment arson, and three civilian injuries.
At around 3 am firefighters and police were alerted to two different apartments owned by Arabs, which had been ignited by rioters. The fires were extinguished and no injuries sustained, though severe property
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damage had been caused. An investigation into the origins of the fires has been launched.
The evening's rioting recommenced at 9 pm, when Arabs began to throw stones at dozens of Jewish youths who formed a crowd in one of the city's eastern neighborhoods. One hundred and fifty people surrounded an apartment building in which an Arab family and a Jewish family reside.
Three people were injured, including a man walking his dog, who sustained a mild head injury from a stone that was flung at him.
Police detained a number of Jewish protestors, and began to disperse the remaining crowd with the help of stun grenades, tear gas, and water hoses. Officers also raided the apartment building and detained some of the family members rioting within.
Jewish protestors became enraged at the arrest, and surrounded Northern District Police Chief Shimon Koren, demanding that the detainees be released. Officers remained to guard the apartment building throughout the night in order to prevent further property damage.
Cat and mouse games ensued Friday night between police forces and groups of residents throwing stones at one another in different locations throughout the city. Three additional youths were arrested.
Police also alternately barricaded and reopened roads connecting Akko's neighborhoods in order to prevent motorists from reaching inflamed areas. The Old City was placed under strict guard that included hundreds of officers backed by special forces.
Saturday morning brought a relative calm, and police are currently preparing for the coming nights.
