Ahed Tamimi
Photo: EPA
Palestinian village prepares for Ahed Tamimi's release
Supporters in Nabi Saleh prepare homecoming with Palestinian flags and chairs for well-wishers at her home; Tamimi's father says expects her to take a lead in fight against Israel, but that she's also considering college.
NABI SALEH - On the eve of Ahed Tamimi's release from prison, the father of the Palestinian teen provocateur said Saturday that he expects her to take a lead in the struggle against Israel but that the 17-year-old is also weighing college options.
In Tamimi's village of Nabi Saleh, supporters prepared for Sunday's homecoming, planting Palestinian flags on the roof of her family home and setting up hundreds of chairs for well-wishers in the courtyard.
Ahed and her mother Nariman were arrested in December, after Ahed slapped two IDF soldiers outside the family home and Nariman filmed the incident and posted it on Facebook. Both are to be released Sunday.
Ahed Tamimi (Photo: AFP)
Ahed's father Bassem said Saturday that after her release from prison, "we expect her to lead and we will support her to lead" in the fight to end the "occupation." He did not say what this would entail.
Bassem Tamimi said that his daughter completed her high school exams in prison, with the help of other prisoners who taught the required material. He said she initially hoped to attend a West Bank university but has also received scholarship offers abroad.
Ahed was 16 when she was arrested and turned 17 in custody. Her case has trained a spotlight on the detention of Palestinian minors by Israel, a practice that has been criticized by international rights groups. Some 300 minors are currently being held, according to Palestinian figures.
Mural of Ahed Tamimi painted on West Bank wall (Photo: Reuters)
Meanwhile, Israeli troops on Saturday detained two Italian artists who had painted a large mural of Ahed Tamimi on Israel's West Bank separation barrier, according to local activist Munther Amireh and amateur video posted online.
The video shows armed soldiers ordering the two men, along with a Palestinian activist, to get out of a car next to the separation barrier. They are led away through an opening in the barrier. Israel's military had no immediate comment.
