31 dec 2015
A suspect in the deadly arson attack on the Palestinian Dawabsha family is expected to be charged with murder within days, Israeli media reported.
Israeli state prosecutors reportedly notified the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s court on Wednesday that an indictment would be submitted in the following five days, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
The online daily added that charges against “another minor suspect” involved in the attack have yet to be decided.
Investigations into the Dawabsha arson attack have been followed closely by critics who in the past have criticized Israel for allowing Israelis to carrying out attacks on Palestinians and their property with full impunity.
Suspected Israeli extremists affiliated with a Jewish terror organization on July 31 set a Palestinian home ablaze in the West Bank village of Duma, burning alive an 18-month-old. The infant's parents later died from severe burns, leaving 4-year-old Ahmad Dawabsha the only survivor of the attack.
Local witnesses saw two suspects at the scene at the time of the attack, both of whom fled to a nearby settlement after setting the home ablaze.
Several suspects were detained in November however the majority of information on those arrested still remains under a gag order requested by the Israeli police.
Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet came under fire earlier this month from far-right groups alleging that the agency used torture during investigations into the suspects.
Israeli leadership has largely defended the agency, who in the wake of the allegations released a statement warning against the growing influence of Jewish extremist groups over the Israeli government.
Haaretz reported that a suspect in the Dawabsha case taken into custody had been released on house arrest earlier this week after their suspected involvement was dropped.
Israeli police reportedly announced an indictment would be file against him for “assaulting Palestinians.” The 18-year-old suspect reportedly assaulted a Palestinian near the illegal Baladim outpost in the occupied West Bank two years ago.
Israeli settlers carried out well over 300 attacks on Palestinians and their property in 2015, according to documentation by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The oft called “price tag” attacks were labelled as acts of terrorism by the US government in 2013.
The UN reported in September that complaints lodged by Palestinians against settler attacks have a 91 percent chance of being dismissed without effective action, whereas around 95 percent of settler complaints against Palestinians proceed to court.
Israeli state prosecutors reportedly notified the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s court on Wednesday that an indictment would be submitted in the following five days, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
The online daily added that charges against “another minor suspect” involved in the attack have yet to be decided.
Investigations into the Dawabsha arson attack have been followed closely by critics who in the past have criticized Israel for allowing Israelis to carrying out attacks on Palestinians and their property with full impunity.
Suspected Israeli extremists affiliated with a Jewish terror organization on July 31 set a Palestinian home ablaze in the West Bank village of Duma, burning alive an 18-month-old. The infant's parents later died from severe burns, leaving 4-year-old Ahmad Dawabsha the only survivor of the attack.
Local witnesses saw two suspects at the scene at the time of the attack, both of whom fled to a nearby settlement after setting the home ablaze.
Several suspects were detained in November however the majority of information on those arrested still remains under a gag order requested by the Israeli police.
Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet came under fire earlier this month from far-right groups alleging that the agency used torture during investigations into the suspects.
Israeli leadership has largely defended the agency, who in the wake of the allegations released a statement warning against the growing influence of Jewish extremist groups over the Israeli government.
Haaretz reported that a suspect in the Dawabsha case taken into custody had been released on house arrest earlier this week after their suspected involvement was dropped.
Israeli police reportedly announced an indictment would be file against him for “assaulting Palestinians.” The 18-year-old suspect reportedly assaulted a Palestinian near the illegal Baladim outpost in the occupied West Bank two years ago.
Israeli settlers carried out well over 300 attacks on Palestinians and their property in 2015, according to documentation by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The oft called “price tag” attacks were labelled as acts of terrorism by the US government in 2013.
The UN reported in September that complaints lodged by Palestinians against settler attacks have a 91 percent chance of being dismissed without effective action, whereas around 95 percent of settler complaints against Palestinians proceed to court.
29 dec 2015
The new bill is sponsored by the Israeli justice minister, Ayelet Shaked.
Iraeli ministers have voted in favour of a bill that will crack down on human rights groups receiving funds from abroad, a move EU officials have said is reminiscent of totalitarian regimes.
Opponents say the bill unfairly targets leftwing organizations critical of government policy, leaving rightwing pro-settlement groups immune from the same scrutiny, as those tend to rely on private donors – who are exempt from the measures. The so-called transparency bill, sponsored by the justice minister, Ayelet Shaked, according to The Guardian/Al Ray, requires organizations to provide details of the countries funding their activities in any communication with elected officials, imposing a 29,000 shekel (£5,000) fine on any who fail to do so. Employees would also be required to wear special tags when working in Israel’s parliament.
The measures passed the first major legislative hurdle Sunday, when government ministers agreed to it in principal, making it almost certain to pass into law. The legislation is expected to receive support, from all the coalition factions within the Israeli government, when it is put to a final vote. It was part of a coalition agreement made by Shaked’s Hayabit Hayehudi party and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Opposition leaders have put pressure on the Israeli prime minister and coalition members to try to prevent the vote.
The EU ambassador to Israel recently met Shaked, to warn that the bill would undermine Israeli’s image as “a democratic and pluralistic country”, Israeli media reported. EU officials were quoted as saying that “Israel should be very careful about reigning in its prosperous democratic society with laws that are reminiscent of totalitarian regimes”.
Ayman Odeh, the leader of the united front of Israel’s Arab parties in the Knesset, accused the government of trying to silence criticism. “The government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is chipping away at what is left of the democratic space in Israel,” he said. “Human rights organizations fill an essential role in any society which aspires to be democratic, which is why they are constantly targeted as enemies of Israeli sovereignty.”
Zehava Galon, head of Meretz opposition party, described the bill as incredibly dangerous. “Beyond the fact that this is a bill that ostensibly seeks to increase transparency, it seeks to label human beings,” she said.
The organization Breaking the Silence, comprised of former soldiers who oppose Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, said the timing of the bill was intended to distract attention from the charging of suspects arrested in connection with the arson attack on a Palestinian family in the West Bank village of Douma.
“The reason the bill has come to discussion today is simple: it’s a smokescreen to keep the silence going,” said former soldier Yehuda Shaul. “Last week we saw images from the wedding [in which settlers stabbed a picture of a Palestinian baby killed in the attack]. We know that this week will be surrounded with talk about Douma and the lack of law enforcement in the occupied territories.
Breaking the Silence already reports on its funding every quarter - it receives 55% of its funding from European governments with a budget of 4.5m shekels this year. Shaul said: “Transparency laws are already advanced here: we need to report in our annual report every single donor over 20,000 shekels, including all private donors.”
In comparison, the pro-settlement group El Ad receives estimated funding of 60m shekels a year. Many right-wing non-profit groups received exemptions from the Israeli NGO authority, meaning they did not have to reveal who their private donors were. “This law is another attempt to politically persecute the left,” Shaul said.
Iraeli ministers have voted in favour of a bill that will crack down on human rights groups receiving funds from abroad, a move EU officials have said is reminiscent of totalitarian regimes.
Opponents say the bill unfairly targets leftwing organizations critical of government policy, leaving rightwing pro-settlement groups immune from the same scrutiny, as those tend to rely on private donors – who are exempt from the measures. The so-called transparency bill, sponsored by the justice minister, Ayelet Shaked, according to The Guardian/Al Ray, requires organizations to provide details of the countries funding their activities in any communication with elected officials, imposing a 29,000 shekel (£5,000) fine on any who fail to do so. Employees would also be required to wear special tags when working in Israel’s parliament.
The measures passed the first major legislative hurdle Sunday, when government ministers agreed to it in principal, making it almost certain to pass into law. The legislation is expected to receive support, from all the coalition factions within the Israeli government, when it is put to a final vote. It was part of a coalition agreement made by Shaked’s Hayabit Hayehudi party and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Opposition leaders have put pressure on the Israeli prime minister and coalition members to try to prevent the vote.
The EU ambassador to Israel recently met Shaked, to warn that the bill would undermine Israeli’s image as “a democratic and pluralistic country”, Israeli media reported. EU officials were quoted as saying that “Israel should be very careful about reigning in its prosperous democratic society with laws that are reminiscent of totalitarian regimes”.
Ayman Odeh, the leader of the united front of Israel’s Arab parties in the Knesset, accused the government of trying to silence criticism. “The government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is chipping away at what is left of the democratic space in Israel,” he said. “Human rights organizations fill an essential role in any society which aspires to be democratic, which is why they are constantly targeted as enemies of Israeli sovereignty.”
Zehava Galon, head of Meretz opposition party, described the bill as incredibly dangerous. “Beyond the fact that this is a bill that ostensibly seeks to increase transparency, it seeks to label human beings,” she said.
The organization Breaking the Silence, comprised of former soldiers who oppose Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, said the timing of the bill was intended to distract attention from the charging of suspects arrested in connection with the arson attack on a Palestinian family in the West Bank village of Douma.
“The reason the bill has come to discussion today is simple: it’s a smokescreen to keep the silence going,” said former soldier Yehuda Shaul. “Last week we saw images from the wedding [in which settlers stabbed a picture of a Palestinian baby killed in the attack]. We know that this week will be surrounded with talk about Douma and the lack of law enforcement in the occupied territories.
Breaking the Silence already reports on its funding every quarter - it receives 55% of its funding from European governments with a budget of 4.5m shekels this year. Shaul said: “Transparency laws are already advanced here: we need to report in our annual report every single donor over 20,000 shekels, including all private donors.”
In comparison, the pro-settlement group El Ad receives estimated funding of 60m shekels a year. Many right-wing non-profit groups received exemptions from the Israeli NGO authority, meaning they did not have to reveal who their private donors were. “This law is another attempt to politically persecute the left,” Shaul said.
After a court order was given in favor of al-Khayat family, the house stolen by the settler organization Elad was restored to its rightful owners.
The Israeli Magistrate Court refused an appeal submitted by Elad against its earlier decision to evacuate the confiscated house in favor of al-Khayat family.
Elad organization that seeks to increase Israeli settlements in occupied Jerusalem has confiscated last year along with Kandel Company 25 Palestinian houses including al-Khayat family’s house.
Since then, al-Khayat family filed a complaint demanding the evacuation of their stolen house.
The family’s lawyer told the PIC reporter that the Magistrate Court had accepted the complaint and ordered the evacuation of the house on Nov. 22, 2014 after Elad and Kandel failed to prove their purchase of the house.
However, Elad organization gained a court order from the District Court to stop the evacuation process of the house after appealing against the Magistrate Court’s evacuation order.
After long deliberations, the District Court refused Elad’s appeal and ordered the evacuation of the house in favor of al-Khayat family.
"We will start implementing the court order within the coming few days", the lawyer added.
The Israeli Magistrate Court refused an appeal submitted by Elad against its earlier decision to evacuate the confiscated house in favor of al-Khayat family.
Elad organization that seeks to increase Israeli settlements in occupied Jerusalem has confiscated last year along with Kandel Company 25 Palestinian houses including al-Khayat family’s house.
Since then, al-Khayat family filed a complaint demanding the evacuation of their stolen house.
The family’s lawyer told the PIC reporter that the Magistrate Court had accepted the complaint and ordered the evacuation of the house on Nov. 22, 2014 after Elad and Kandel failed to prove their purchase of the house.
However, Elad organization gained a court order from the District Court to stop the evacuation process of the house after appealing against the Magistrate Court’s evacuation order.
After long deliberations, the District Court refused Elad’s appeal and ordered the evacuation of the house in favor of al-Khayat family.
"We will start implementing the court order within the coming few days", the lawyer added.
28 dec 2015
In a blatant violation of the Muslims' freedom of worship, the Israeli prosecution office has asked a court in Occupied Jerusalem to criminalize the use of the Islamic Thakbir expression, "Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)," inside the Aqsa Mosque.
This came up after the Israeli police arrested a Palestinian young man from the 1948 occupied lands on a charge of shouting Allahu Akbar as a horde of Jewish settlers were touring the Mosque's courtyards.
The police claimed that chanting such a religious slogan would stir up riots at the Mosque.
Palestinian lawyer Ramzi Katilat described the Israeli step as a dangerous precedent, pointing out that the previous arrest incidents that had happened at the Mosque because of shouting Thakbir were not dealt with as a crime and only led the police to question the detainee and then release him or ban his entry to the Islamic holy shrine.
Katilat affirmed that he and other lawyers would file a petition with the same court to explain that the Thakbir chant inside the Mosque is part of the freedoms of worship and expression and how the prosecutor's request would violate these rights.
This came up after the Israeli police arrested a Palestinian young man from the 1948 occupied lands on a charge of shouting Allahu Akbar as a horde of Jewish settlers were touring the Mosque's courtyards.
The police claimed that chanting such a religious slogan would stir up riots at the Mosque.
Palestinian lawyer Ramzi Katilat described the Israeli step as a dangerous precedent, pointing out that the previous arrest incidents that had happened at the Mosque because of shouting Thakbir were not dealt with as a crime and only led the police to question the detainee and then release him or ban his entry to the Islamic holy shrine.
Katilat affirmed that he and other lawyers would file a petition with the same court to explain that the Thakbir chant inside the Mosque is part of the freedoms of worship and expression and how the prosecutor's request would violate these rights.
25 dec 2015
The Israeli district court in Occupied Jerusalem on Thursday accepted to discuss the mental status of Yosef Haim Ben-David, the Jewish settler who masterminded the brutal murder of Palestinian teenager Mohamed Abu Khudair, in an attempt to acquit him.
The same court refused last month to condemn Ben-David at the pretext that he could be mentally disordered, although it admitted that he and his accomplices committed the crime.
The court decided to give more time to determine the mental state of Ben-David, the only adult suspect in the murder of Abu Khudair, after the defense submitted a medical report claiming their defendant as mentally ill and thus ineligible to stand trial.
For his part, lawyer Muhannad Jabara, who represents the family of Abu Khudair, said that the court agreed to study the medical report of the accused and listen to the psychiatrist who wrote the report.
Jabara added that a court hearing would be held on January 20 to look into the report.
16-year-old Mohamed Abu Khudair was kidnapped and burned alive in Occupied Jerusalem by Ben-David and two of his followers on July 2, 2014.
The same court refused last month to condemn Ben-David at the pretext that he could be mentally disordered, although it admitted that he and his accomplices committed the crime.
The court decided to give more time to determine the mental state of Ben-David, the only adult suspect in the murder of Abu Khudair, after the defense submitted a medical report claiming their defendant as mentally ill and thus ineligible to stand trial.
For his part, lawyer Muhannad Jabara, who represents the family of Abu Khudair, said that the court agreed to study the medical report of the accused and listen to the psychiatrist who wrote the report.
Jabara added that a court hearing would be held on January 20 to look into the report.
16-year-old Mohamed Abu Khudair was kidnapped and burned alive in Occupied Jerusalem by Ben-David and two of his followers on July 2, 2014.
