Police to probe Facebook anti-Arab groups
State Prosecutor's Office instructs police to open criminal investigation against groups inciting against Arabs on social networking site, one of which calls itself 'Death to all Arabs', urges followers to carry out violent acts
The State Prosecutor's Office has instructed the police to start criminal investigations against two Facebook groups whose postings include racist remarks. Deputy State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan noted in a letter that there were suspicions of racist incitement.
The move comes after the State Prosecutor was notified of ads on two Facebook groups, including an internet surfer who came to the Facebook page via the political party Yisrael Beitenu. One, called "Death to all Arabs," is comprised of some 170 members and includes explicit calls for violence against Arabs and support for such violence.
Calls include the claims, "We need to murder each and every one of them," "A good Arab is a dead Arab," and "Death to Arabs, may their name be blotted, wild animals."
Nitzan also sent a letter to the person responsible for Yisrael Beitenu's profile, requesting that the link to the group be removed, but noted there was no reason to start any investigations against the party. The investigation is to concentrate on suspicion of incitement to violence and advertizing inciting to racism.
The other group was formed to promote rightwing demonstrations in the northern Israel Arab city of Um al-Fahm. Remarks posted include incitement to racism and insult to religious sentiment. Comments included "Death to Arabs," "Muhammad is a pig," and "Isn't it great to see the People of Israel wake up and fight for its right to exist."
Nitzan asked that the police contact Facebook and request the removal of the remarks. Nitzan also rejected calls to investigate Yisrael Beitenu leaders, saying they had no connection to the posted remarks.
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