Protest repressed

Horses for crowd control

Israeli authorities quelled protests in prisons and cities yesterday over the death of prisoner Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh, who had served more than 10 years of a life sentence for participation in a 2002 terrorist attack. He died of cancer, which Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas alleges was not properly treated  by Israeli prison authorities.

Security forces at Damascus Gate

We arrived at the scene of the hour-long demonstration at the Damascus Gate when it was nearly over. Witnesses told us it began with about 10 persons and grew to 60 or 70. They say security forces quelled it by spraying tear gas (no canisters) and firing sound bombs, one of which struck a man at close range. Red Crescent medics on the scene said that 7 persons were taken to the hospital with injuries and 25 others were beaten with sticks.

A few police were still wearing riot gear

We saw one young man being arrested just a few feet in front of us and hustled into a white van. The Adameer human rights organization says a total of 11 persons were arrested. It says one was released yesterday and nine today on payment of bail and bond, while one woman is  being held until a hearing Friday when charges will be placed.




Here are images of the arrest we witnessed...

(Photo by EA Esteban Gutierrez)

(Photo by Esteban Gutierrez)

Young suspect put in white van

On a brighter note, we saw that is possible for a man to scuffle with the police and yet not be arrested...

Many Palestinian shops and restaurants in Jerusalem were closed today as the protest for
Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh's death continues. Residents say more demonstrations are likely.