Eight Peace Activists Threaten Israeli Security

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
July 13, 2003

EIGHT PEACE ACTIVISTS THREATEN ISRAELI SECURITY
Trial postponed; Bail denied

[Tel Aviv] No decision was reached today in the case of the eight peace activists slated for deportation by the Israeli authorities. The prosecution asked for more time and the hearing was postponed until Tuesday July 15, though no specific time has been set yet. In addition, the 8 imprisoned ISMers were NOT released on bail - the prosecution, representing the state, being adamant on depicting them as "great dangers to state security." They were all transferred back to the Ariel settlement police station, where they will be held until the next hearing.

Israeli and international peace activists packed the Tel Aviv courtroom this afternoon, for a 1:30pm hearing, as the eight internationals were brought in. Lawyers for the 8 activists were: Shamai Leibowitz, Leah Tsemel, Gaby Lasky and Yoni Lehrnman. After approximately 5 minutes of proceedings, the prosecution asked for more time and the court was recessed. Advocate Shamai Leibowitz informs that the prosecution is looking to make this case more about the ISM and less about the individual activities of those arrested, seeking to deport the eight internationals based on their affiliation with the ISM.

Tobias Karlsson (SWEDEN)

Tarek Loubani (CANADA)

Fredrick Lind (DENMARK)

Bill Capowski (USA)

All arrested on Wednesday July 9 for sitting in a peace camp in Arrabony village near Jenin, to peacefully protest the confiscation of Palestinian land and the building of an apartheid wall, and:

Daniel Knutsson (SWEDEN)

Alex Perry (UK)

Saul Reid (UK)

Thomas Pellas (FRANCE)

All arrested on Thursday, July 10 for joining Palestinians in removing a roadblock that denies Palestinians the basic right of freedom of movement.

The State of Israel is grasping at straws in its attempt to brandish the ISM illegal. This strategy follows a list of efforts aimed at breaking the phenomena of international solidarity – from slander, denial of entry and deportations (approximately 60 in the last 15 months),to intimidation, physical threats, injury and even death. The Israeli government calls us a "threat to the security of the state"; Our most dangerous weapons are our eyes, ears, mouths and the truth.

For more information, please call: Huwaida: +972-67-473-308; Neta: +972-64-405-783 ISM Office: +972-2-277-4602

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