4 Palestinians detained during protest in support of imprisoned activist
FEB. 21, 2018 3:08 P.M. (UPDATED: FEB. 21, 2018 3:55 P.M.)
RAMALLAH (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces detained three Palestinian minors and a journalist as they suppressed protests outside the Ramallah-area Ofer military prison in the central occupied West Bank.
Protesters were demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinian activist
Munther Amira, the head of the head of the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee (PSCC) in the West Bank, who was arrested during peaceful protests in late December.
Israeli forces suppressed the non-violent demonstration, firing tear gas at protesters and spraying several people with pepper spray.
The identities of the three teenagers who were detained remained unknown, though the journalist who was detained was identified as Mohammed Alwan, a reporter for al-Quds news.
As he was arrested, Amira, along with dozens of Palestinians, were demonstrating against US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and the arrest of 16-year-old activist Ahed al-Tamimi, who had been detained one week prior.
Video of Amira’s arrest shows the activist standing at the front of protests, holding a sign in support of Ahed al-Tamimi, when a group of Israeli officers ran out from the military base and grabbed him.
The Israeli prosecution has brought 12 charges against Amira, among them throwing stones, organizing and participating in unpermitted marches, and throwing an incendiary device towards soldiers, the latter referring to when Amira threw back a tear gas canister that was shot at him by Israeli forces while he was peacefully demonstrating.
Amira is being prosecuted in a military court that has over a 99 percent conviction rate against Palestinians.
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