15 mar 2015
Family of detainee Ziad Hasan ‘Awwad, from Ethna town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, said the Israeli military prosecutor in the ‘Ofer Military Court, is demanding the capital punishment for their son, accused of killing an Israeli officer.
The family said the prosecution claims ‘Awwad killed Israeli officer Baruch Mizrachi, nearly a year ago near Ethna town, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 has reported.
Awwad’s brother said the demand by the military prosecutor came just a few days after the widow of the slain officer demanded executing ‘Awwad, for “resuming his terrorist activities despite the years he spent in prison.”
‘Awwad was among over a thousand detainees who were released under the Shalit Prisoner Swap agreement, and was rearrested and imprisoned allegedly after killing the Israeli military officer.
His family said their son had nothing to do with the killing of the officer, adding that the Israeli military prosecutor is alleging ‘Awwad is behind the officer’s death, and is demanding executing him, the Aneen Al-Qaid Media Network, specialized in detainees’ affairs, has reported.
The Network’s spokesperson Montaser Nassar told the Radio Bethlehem 2000 that the prosecution’s demands of executing the detainee are “a dangerous precedent,” and demanded the Palestinian Authority to intervene.
It is worth mentioning that both ‘Awwad, and his son, have been imprisoned by Israel reportedly for being responsible for the death of the Israeli officer, and their home was demolished after the death of three Israeli settlers in Hebron, in June of 2014.
It is worth mentioning that, although capital punishment is allowed in Israel “during wartimes and for crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, treason,” and “crimes against the Jewish people,” only one person was executed in 1962.
His name is Adolf Eichmann; his execution by hanging came only one year after he received the death penalty for “Nazi crimes during the holocaust.” Capital punishment verdicts were issues against other prisoners, including John Denjanuk, who faced the same charges, but they won appeals the overturned their death sentences.
In 1954, Israel abolished the death penalty for all crimes, except for the crimes mentioned above.
In a Facebook Port, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, head of the extreme right-wing “Israel Our Home” party, called for executing Palestinian detainees.
Referring to Palestinian citizens of Israel in an elections event last Sunday, Lieberman said, “Anyone who’s with us should be given everything – up to half the kingdom.
Anyone who’s against us, there’s nothing to do – we should raise an axe and cut off his head; otherwise, we won’t survive here.”
Israeli Mako News Website said Lieberman made his statements during an interview with journalist Udi Segal during the “Electing Democracy in 2015” conference that was held in IDC Herzliya College.
In Mid-July of 2014, Israeli legislator of the Jewish Home Party, Ayelet Shaked, called for killing Palestinian mothers who give birth to what she called “little snakes.”
She said, “Palestinian mothers have to die; their houses should be demolished so that they cannot bate any more terrorists.”
Shaked added, “They are all our enemies, and their blood should be on our hands, including the mothers of dead terrorists.”
In May of 2014, Israeli Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz called for reinstating the death penalty to apply it for Palestinian detainees; he said such a law prevents Israel “from being extorted to surrender during negotiations, and ends up releasing murderous terrorists.”
The family said the prosecution claims ‘Awwad killed Israeli officer Baruch Mizrachi, nearly a year ago near Ethna town, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 has reported.
Awwad’s brother said the demand by the military prosecutor came just a few days after the widow of the slain officer demanded executing ‘Awwad, for “resuming his terrorist activities despite the years he spent in prison.”
‘Awwad was among over a thousand detainees who were released under the Shalit Prisoner Swap agreement, and was rearrested and imprisoned allegedly after killing the Israeli military officer.
His family said their son had nothing to do with the killing of the officer, adding that the Israeli military prosecutor is alleging ‘Awwad is behind the officer’s death, and is demanding executing him, the Aneen Al-Qaid Media Network, specialized in detainees’ affairs, has reported.
The Network’s spokesperson Montaser Nassar told the Radio Bethlehem 2000 that the prosecution’s demands of executing the detainee are “a dangerous precedent,” and demanded the Palestinian Authority to intervene.
It is worth mentioning that both ‘Awwad, and his son, have been imprisoned by Israel reportedly for being responsible for the death of the Israeli officer, and their home was demolished after the death of three Israeli settlers in Hebron, in June of 2014.
It is worth mentioning that, although capital punishment is allowed in Israel “during wartimes and for crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, treason,” and “crimes against the Jewish people,” only one person was executed in 1962.
His name is Adolf Eichmann; his execution by hanging came only one year after he received the death penalty for “Nazi crimes during the holocaust.” Capital punishment verdicts were issues against other prisoners, including John Denjanuk, who faced the same charges, but they won appeals the overturned their death sentences.
In 1954, Israel abolished the death penalty for all crimes, except for the crimes mentioned above.
In a Facebook Port, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, head of the extreme right-wing “Israel Our Home” party, called for executing Palestinian detainees.
Referring to Palestinian citizens of Israel in an elections event last Sunday, Lieberman said, “Anyone who’s with us should be given everything – up to half the kingdom.
Anyone who’s against us, there’s nothing to do – we should raise an axe and cut off his head; otherwise, we won’t survive here.”
Israeli Mako News Website said Lieberman made his statements during an interview with journalist Udi Segal during the “Electing Democracy in 2015” conference that was held in IDC Herzliya College.
In Mid-July of 2014, Israeli legislator of the Jewish Home Party, Ayelet Shaked, called for killing Palestinian mothers who give birth to what she called “little snakes.”
She said, “Palestinian mothers have to die; their houses should be demolished so that they cannot bate any more terrorists.”
Shaked added, “They are all our enemies, and their blood should be on our hands, including the mothers of dead terrorists.”
In May of 2014, Israeli Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz called for reinstating the death penalty to apply it for Palestinian detainees; he said such a law prevents Israel “from being extorted to surrender during negotiations, and ends up releasing murderous terrorists.”
9 mar 2015
Sentencing three young men from the village of Esawyeh on charges of stabbing a settler in Jerusalem
The District court judge sentenced on Monday three young Jerusalemite men on charges of stabbing a settler and severely injuring him in the area of Damascus Gate in July 2013.
The young men are: Ahmad Sha’ban (21) sentenced for 9 years of actual imprisonment and a fine of 25 thousand NIS, Sultan Rabah Abu Hummos (20) sentenced for 7 years of actual imprisonment and a fine of 15 thousand NIS and Mahmoud Rajabi who was sentenced for 30 months of actual imprisonment and a 5-thousand NIS fine.
It is noteworthy that the occupation authorities arrested the three young men in July 2013 and were detained since then at Al-Maskobyeh, and Asqalan, Jalboo’ and Nafha prisons.
The young men are: Ahmad Sha’ban (21) sentenced for 9 years of actual imprisonment and a fine of 25 thousand NIS, Sultan Rabah Abu Hummos (20) sentenced for 7 years of actual imprisonment and a fine of 15 thousand NIS and Mahmoud Rajabi who was sentenced for 30 months of actual imprisonment and a 5-thousand NIS fine.
It is noteworthy that the occupation authorities arrested the three young men in July 2013 and were detained since then at Al-Maskobyeh, and Asqalan, Jalboo’ and Nafha prisons.
2 mar 2015
In a step seen as legitimizing Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque, the Israeli central court in occupied Jerusalem issued a ruling ordering the Israeli police in the city to pay extremist temple rabbi Yehuda Glick 650,000 shekels in compensation.
Israel's channel 10 said that the Israeli police, in compliance with the court order, would compensate Glick for banning him from entering the Aqsa Mosque for two years, although he had defiled the Islamic holy place several times despite the ban.
The channel pointed out that the Israeli police in Jerusalem had issued a decision four years ago preventing right-wing Jewish leaders and rabbis from entering the Aqsa Mosque to avoid provoking the feelings of Muslims and thus sparking riots in the city.
However, according to the channel, Glick continued to enter the Mosque, prompting the police to issue a strict order barring his entry to the holy site.
Later, Glick decided to file a lawsuit against the police demanding compensations for not allowing him to enter what he called the temple mount.
In addition to the financial compensation, the court ordered the police to award him 100,000 shekels for legal proceedings.
Palestinian observers consider the court decision as part of the Israeli attempts to Judaize and create a new fait accompli at the Mosque through legitimizing the desecration of the Islamic holy site by Jewish settlers and leaders.
In contrast, the Israeli police still impose entry restrictions on Muslims at the gates of the Aqsa Mosque and issue punitive orders banning many of them from praying there for several months.
Israel's channel 10 said that the Israeli police, in compliance with the court order, would compensate Glick for banning him from entering the Aqsa Mosque for two years, although he had defiled the Islamic holy place several times despite the ban.
The channel pointed out that the Israeli police in Jerusalem had issued a decision four years ago preventing right-wing Jewish leaders and rabbis from entering the Aqsa Mosque to avoid provoking the feelings of Muslims and thus sparking riots in the city.
However, according to the channel, Glick continued to enter the Mosque, prompting the police to issue a strict order barring his entry to the holy site.
Later, Glick decided to file a lawsuit against the police demanding compensations for not allowing him to enter what he called the temple mount.
In addition to the financial compensation, the court ordered the police to award him 100,000 shekels for legal proceedings.
Palestinian observers consider the court decision as part of the Israeli attempts to Judaize and create a new fait accompli at the Mosque through legitimizing the desecration of the Islamic holy site by Jewish settlers and leaders.
In contrast, the Israeli police still impose entry restrictions on Muslims at the gates of the Aqsa Mosque and issue punitive orders banning many of them from praying there for several months.
27 feb 2015
Islamic Movement in 48 occupied Palestine on Thursday condemned the Israeli Supreme Court ruling to allow right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party to distribute the edition of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo which contains satirical cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him).
The movement said in a statement: "We condemn the court verdict which legitimizes abusing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)," and added: "distributing the satirical cartoons under pretext of freedom of expression and opinion is not acceptable."
Israeli Supreme Court issued a ruling on Wednesday allowing the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party led by the Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman to distribute copies of Charlie Hebdo magazine as part of its election campaign.
Referring to the objection of Arab MKs, Lieberman said: "The court verdict is an important message that Israel is a Jewish and democratic state and will never give in to threats and violence of Arab MKs who are trying to turn Israel into an ISIS state, and we welcome the right decision made by the Supreme Court."
The Israeli public radio stated that the decision was made with most members of the judiciary in favor and Supreme Court president Miriam Naor against.
It noted that the court ruling also stipulated that distributing the French magazine is a legitimate election campaign according to the election law.
The movement said in a statement: "We condemn the court verdict which legitimizes abusing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)," and added: "distributing the satirical cartoons under pretext of freedom of expression and opinion is not acceptable."
Israeli Supreme Court issued a ruling on Wednesday allowing the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party led by the Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman to distribute copies of Charlie Hebdo magazine as part of its election campaign.
Referring to the objection of Arab MKs, Lieberman said: "The court verdict is an important message that Israel is a Jewish and democratic state and will never give in to threats and violence of Arab MKs who are trying to turn Israel into an ISIS state, and we welcome the right decision made by the Supreme Court."
The Israeli public radio stated that the decision was made with most members of the judiciary in favor and Supreme Court president Miriam Naor against.
It noted that the court ruling also stipulated that distributing the French magazine is a legitimate election campaign according to the election law.
14 feb 2015
Physicians for Human Rights said that none of 850 torture complaints filed against the Shin Bet over the past several years has been investigated.
A document submitted by the Israeli occupation authority to the high court of justice this week showed that the number of torture complaints lodged against Israel’s internal intelligence agency has grown fourfold since 2012.
The document was intended to respond to a complaint filed by a Palestinian prisoner who claimed his exposure to torture at the hands of Shin Bet investigators.
The victim, a Palestinian man from the West Bank, claimed he had suffered severe physical and psychological injuries during two months of detention, including painful handcuffing for long hours, sleep deprivation, forced body shaking, loud noises, poor nutrition and threats against him and his family.
Physicians for Human Rights and the Public Committee against Torture in the 1948 occupied lands filed the complaint on behalf of the detainee two years ago to the Israeli ministry of justice, in which they demanded the investigation of the detainee's claims to determine if criminal charges would be filed against the interrogators.
The two organizations turned to the high court of justice after one and a half years passed without receiving a single response from the justice ministry.
Physicians for Human Rights said that there is no effective way to lodge complaints against Israel's security elements.
A document submitted by the Israeli occupation authority to the high court of justice this week showed that the number of torture complaints lodged against Israel’s internal intelligence agency has grown fourfold since 2012.
The document was intended to respond to a complaint filed by a Palestinian prisoner who claimed his exposure to torture at the hands of Shin Bet investigators.
The victim, a Palestinian man from the West Bank, claimed he had suffered severe physical and psychological injuries during two months of detention, including painful handcuffing for long hours, sleep deprivation, forced body shaking, loud noises, poor nutrition and threats against him and his family.
Physicians for Human Rights and the Public Committee against Torture in the 1948 occupied lands filed the complaint on behalf of the detainee two years ago to the Israeli ministry of justice, in which they demanded the investigation of the detainee's claims to determine if criminal charges would be filed against the interrogators.
The two organizations turned to the high court of justice after one and a half years passed without receiving a single response from the justice ministry.
Physicians for Human Rights said that there is no effective way to lodge complaints against Israel's security elements.
An
Israeli court on Friday released a policeman suspected of shooting
dead the Palestinian young man Sami Ja’aar a month ago in Rahat town in
the Negev.
The Israeli Judge Moshe Drori claimed that there was no evidence to retain the policeman in custody despite the fact that the Police Investigation Unit confirmed that he shot at the Palestinian young man who posed no threat to the policeman.
The policeman denied the charge and tried to change his story several times during the investigation which indicates his false testimony, according to the investigation unit.
A state of anger and tension has prevailed in Rahat town over the court’s decision.
For its part, the Popular Committee in the town threatened to step up protests against the continued detention of dozens of local youths who were nabbed over their participation in rallies organized in Rahat in protest at the killing of two Palestinians by Israeli gunfire a month ago.
A protest sit-in tent will be pitched outside the police station in Rahat in case the Israeli arrest campaign did not come to an end, the committee said.
The Israeli Judge Moshe Drori claimed that there was no evidence to retain the policeman in custody despite the fact that the Police Investigation Unit confirmed that he shot at the Palestinian young man who posed no threat to the policeman.
The policeman denied the charge and tried to change his story several times during the investigation which indicates his false testimony, according to the investigation unit.
A state of anger and tension has prevailed in Rahat town over the court’s decision.
For its part, the Popular Committee in the town threatened to step up protests against the continued detention of dozens of local youths who were nabbed over their participation in rallies organized in Rahat in protest at the killing of two Palestinians by Israeli gunfire a month ago.
A protest sit-in tent will be pitched outside the police station in Rahat in case the Israeli arrest campaign did not come to an end, the committee said.
13 feb 2015
Statement Issued On February 12, 2015 Statement from Corrie family in response to the Israeli Supreme Court’s Dismissal of Appeal in Wrongful Death of Rachel Corrie.
Today we received word from our attorneys that the Supreme Court of Israel dismissed our appeal in the wrongful death case of our daughter and sister Rachel Corrie. Our family is disappointed but not surprised.
We had hoped for a different outcome, though we have come to see through this experience how deeply all of Israel’s institutions are implicated in the impunity enjoyed by the Israeli military.
It will take some time before we have ability to read the decision in English and to process all the court has said.
Nevertheless, it is clear that this decision, affirming the August 2012 lower court finding, amounts to judicial sanction of immunity for Israeli military forces when they commit injustices and human rights violations.
The Supreme Court decision ignores international law arguments regarding the protection of civilians and human rights defenders in armed conflict and grossly violates the internationally recognized right to effective remedy.
The court has determined that our separate case against Dr. Yehuda Hiss and Abu Kabir Institute, regarding inappropriate ways in which Rachel’s autopsy was conducted, may go forward in the lower court.
We continue to be appalled that it requires a lawsuit to have a truthful accounting of what occurred, and complete repatriation of Rachel’s remains. Decisions as to next steps will be made by the family in consultation with our attorneys.
Despite the verdict, our family remains convinced we were correct in bringing this case forward. The day after Rachel was killed, Prime Minister Sharon promised President Bush a thorough, credible and transparent investigation.
Clearly, that standard was not met. The U.S. government continues to call for such an investigation by Israel. A civil lawsuit cannot substitute for an impartial investigation, but it is the only process through which a family can discover more information and move forward when governments fail to act.
Rachel’s case provides yet another example of how the Israeli justice system is failing to provide accountability. We urge the international community, and not least the U.S. government, to stand with victims of human rights violations and against impunity, and to uphold fundamental tenants of international justice.
We are immensely grateful to our attorney Hussein Abu Hussein and to his entire legal team for the decade of work they have contributed to Rachel’s case, and continue to provide. We are grateful to all of our friends in Palestine, Israel, and elsewhere, who in so many different ways have supported our efforts.
We have taken this path for Rachel, the daughter and sister we love, lost, and miss. Her spirit lives. She has inspired all of our actions and will continue to do so.
———–
For the Supreme Court Decision (in Hebrew) see: http://elyon1.court.gov.il/files/12/820/069/v11/1206982...1.pdf
Today we received word from our attorneys that the Supreme Court of Israel dismissed our appeal in the wrongful death case of our daughter and sister Rachel Corrie. Our family is disappointed but not surprised.
We had hoped for a different outcome, though we have come to see through this experience how deeply all of Israel’s institutions are implicated in the impunity enjoyed by the Israeli military.
It will take some time before we have ability to read the decision in English and to process all the court has said.
Nevertheless, it is clear that this decision, affirming the August 2012 lower court finding, amounts to judicial sanction of immunity for Israeli military forces when they commit injustices and human rights violations.
The Supreme Court decision ignores international law arguments regarding the protection of civilians and human rights defenders in armed conflict and grossly violates the internationally recognized right to effective remedy.
The court has determined that our separate case against Dr. Yehuda Hiss and Abu Kabir Institute, regarding inappropriate ways in which Rachel’s autopsy was conducted, may go forward in the lower court.
We continue to be appalled that it requires a lawsuit to have a truthful accounting of what occurred, and complete repatriation of Rachel’s remains. Decisions as to next steps will be made by the family in consultation with our attorneys.
Despite the verdict, our family remains convinced we were correct in bringing this case forward. The day after Rachel was killed, Prime Minister Sharon promised President Bush a thorough, credible and transparent investigation.
Clearly, that standard was not met. The U.S. government continues to call for such an investigation by Israel. A civil lawsuit cannot substitute for an impartial investigation, but it is the only process through which a family can discover more information and move forward when governments fail to act.
Rachel’s case provides yet another example of how the Israeli justice system is failing to provide accountability. We urge the international community, and not least the U.S. government, to stand with victims of human rights violations and against impunity, and to uphold fundamental tenants of international justice.
We are immensely grateful to our attorney Hussein Abu Hussein and to his entire legal team for the decade of work they have contributed to Rachel’s case, and continue to provide. We are grateful to all of our friends in Palestine, Israel, and elsewhere, who in so many different ways have supported our efforts.
We have taken this path for Rachel, the daughter and sister we love, lost, and miss. Her spirit lives. She has inspired all of our actions and will continue to do so.
———–
For the Supreme Court Decision (in Hebrew) see: http://elyon1.court.gov.il/files/12/820/069/v11/1206982...1.pdf
12 feb 2015
Following weeks of investigation and repeated denials, officer implicates himself in fatal shooting during drug bust that led to riots.
The police officer suspected of unlawful killing during a raid in Rahat, in which 22-year-old Sami al-Ajar was shot dead, was investigated Wednesday night following an undercover investigation that unfolded over recent weeks.
The Police Internal Investigations Unit released a statement saying after lengthy questioning and persistent denials, the officer implicated himself and was arrested for further interrogation.
The shooting occurred last month, when police raid of a suspected drug house ended in the death of al-Ajar. Three policemen were lightly wounded.
The city, which is predominately Bedouin, declared a local strike during three days of mourning in protest of the death. During al-Ajar's funeral, which was attended by thousands of people, a police car entered the cemetery's area and was pelted with stones and rocks. The funeral led to riots that killed one man and wounded 22.
Rahat Mayor Talal al-Kirnawi said al-Ajar was shot in the house’s yard in front of his mother. He told Ynet after the shooting that "this young man returned from work and was shot.
"His father complained to police in the fact about young people coming there and selling drugs and requested that they be dealt with. It’s possible that they were trigger-happy. We will demand answers. We’ll go to the police commissioner and the attorney general with a demand they investigate the incident to the end.”
Police expressed concern that the incident could worsen relations with residents of Rahat, and that it could lead to further violence. “The police will have zero tolerance towards anyone using violence against police officers doing their job,” said Brig. Gen. Alkalay. In the mourning tent created near the site of the incident, relatives harshly criticized the police and claimed shooting occurred first towards the victim and only later into the air. They said al-Ajar was returning home from work and had nothing to do with the drug house.
“He was murdered in cold blood by the police,” said a family member. “Only afterwards did they fire into the air. I’m amazed more people weren’t wounded. There were children and women here. They treat us like animals, and they are trigger-happy. This is a family that contributed to the country.
"The murdered man’s uncle fell in the Yom Kippur War. His grandfather was handicapped in his IDF service.”
The police officer suspected of unlawful killing during a raid in Rahat, in which 22-year-old Sami al-Ajar was shot dead, was investigated Wednesday night following an undercover investigation that unfolded over recent weeks.
The Police Internal Investigations Unit released a statement saying after lengthy questioning and persistent denials, the officer implicated himself and was arrested for further interrogation.
The shooting occurred last month, when police raid of a suspected drug house ended in the death of al-Ajar. Three policemen were lightly wounded.
The city, which is predominately Bedouin, declared a local strike during three days of mourning in protest of the death. During al-Ajar's funeral, which was attended by thousands of people, a police car entered the cemetery's area and was pelted with stones and rocks. The funeral led to riots that killed one man and wounded 22.
Rahat Mayor Talal al-Kirnawi said al-Ajar was shot in the house’s yard in front of his mother. He told Ynet after the shooting that "this young man returned from work and was shot.
"His father complained to police in the fact about young people coming there and selling drugs and requested that they be dealt with. It’s possible that they were trigger-happy. We will demand answers. We’ll go to the police commissioner and the attorney general with a demand they investigate the incident to the end.”
Police expressed concern that the incident could worsen relations with residents of Rahat, and that it could lead to further violence. “The police will have zero tolerance towards anyone using violence against police officers doing their job,” said Brig. Gen. Alkalay. In the mourning tent created near the site of the incident, relatives harshly criticized the police and claimed shooting occurred first towards the victim and only later into the air. They said al-Ajar was returning home from work and had nothing to do with the drug house.
“He was murdered in cold blood by the police,” said a family member. “Only afterwards did they fire into the air. I’m amazed more people weren’t wounded. There were children and women here. They treat us like animals, and they are trigger-happy. This is a family that contributed to the country.
"The murdered man’s uncle fell in the Yom Kippur War. His grandfather was handicapped in his IDF service.”
10 feb 2015
Police arrests three suspects involved in scheme that used Arab straw men and an NGO with an Arab name to fool Palestinian land owners into selling lands to Jews.
Police arrested three suspects on Monday who are allegedly involved in a scheme to buy lands in the West Bank using forged documents and without the consent of the Palestinian land owners.
Police suspects at least ten deals worth millions of shekels were made using forged documents, with settlers from the Ulpana neighborhood, Migron, Amona and Givat Asaf taking over the land after the deals were finalized. An investigation was launched following petitions that were filed to the Supreme Court against some of the deal, which claimed tha lands were sold to an NGO operating in the West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian land owners.
The suspects allegedly used the forged documents to create the false impression the land owners have agreed to the sale.
While the case is still ongoing in court, State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan asked the head of Police Investigations and Intelligence Department to open an investigation into the case. Following a covert investigation of the Lahav 443 Unit (an Israeli equivalent to the FBI) and the Judea and Samaria District Police, the police on Monday raided the offices of the three suspects and seized documents and computers.
The three suspects were allegedly involved in transferring ownership of lands from their Palestinian owners to the Al-Watan NGO, a part of the Amana Settlement Movement, which buys lands in the West Bank for the construction of Jewish settlements.
The NGO was given an Arab name to keep the Palestinian land owners remain oblivious to the fact they were selling their lands to Jews, particularly since the Palestinian Authority has threatened to sentence to death anyone who sells lands to Jews. For this reason, the deal is made through Arab straw men, when the buyer himself is not always aware of the fact he's buying the land for Jews.
The three suspects - a Jewish lawyer, an Arab lawyer and an Arab realtor - are all from Jerusalem. The remand of one of the suspects was extended in four days, the remand of another was extended in two days and the third suspect was sent to a five-day house arrest. Police said it might make additional arrests.
Attorney Avihai Hajabi, who represents one of the suspects, said in response: "This is an outrageous investigation. All proceedings in the sale were conducted lawfully. All of the complaints against the legitimacy of the deals arose after the Palestinian land owners were threatened by elements in the Palestinian Authority, where it's common knowledge that those who sell lands to Jews are sentenced to death."
Police arrested three suspects on Monday who are allegedly involved in a scheme to buy lands in the West Bank using forged documents and without the consent of the Palestinian land owners.
Police suspects at least ten deals worth millions of shekels were made using forged documents, with settlers from the Ulpana neighborhood, Migron, Amona and Givat Asaf taking over the land after the deals were finalized. An investigation was launched following petitions that were filed to the Supreme Court against some of the deal, which claimed tha lands were sold to an NGO operating in the West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian land owners.
The suspects allegedly used the forged documents to create the false impression the land owners have agreed to the sale.
While the case is still ongoing in court, State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan asked the head of Police Investigations and Intelligence Department to open an investigation into the case. Following a covert investigation of the Lahav 443 Unit (an Israeli equivalent to the FBI) and the Judea and Samaria District Police, the police on Monday raided the offices of the three suspects and seized documents and computers.
The three suspects were allegedly involved in transferring ownership of lands from their Palestinian owners to the Al-Watan NGO, a part of the Amana Settlement Movement, which buys lands in the West Bank for the construction of Jewish settlements.
The NGO was given an Arab name to keep the Palestinian land owners remain oblivious to the fact they were selling their lands to Jews, particularly since the Palestinian Authority has threatened to sentence to death anyone who sells lands to Jews. For this reason, the deal is made through Arab straw men, when the buyer himself is not always aware of the fact he's buying the land for Jews.
The three suspects - a Jewish lawyer, an Arab lawyer and an Arab realtor - are all from Jerusalem. The remand of one of the suspects was extended in four days, the remand of another was extended in two days and the third suspect was sent to a five-day house arrest. Police said it might make additional arrests.
Attorney Avihai Hajabi, who represents one of the suspects, said in response: "This is an outrageous investigation. All proceedings in the sale were conducted lawfully. All of the complaints against the legitimacy of the deals arose after the Palestinian land owners were threatened by elements in the Palestinian Authority, where it's common knowledge that those who sell lands to Jews are sentenced to death."
