Palestinian Non-Violent Peace Activists On Trial

Palestinian Non-Violent Peace Activists On Trial

On Sunday January 2, Mohammed Khalil Mansour, a community organizer in the West Bank village of Biddu, faces trial at the Jerusalem Peace Court in the Russian Compound. On the 26 of June 2004, Mansour was attacked, severely beaten and arrested while participating in a nonviolent protest against the construction of the Apartheid Wall in Al Ram. Mansour was arrested along with five Jewish Israelis and three Palestinians, including two children, from the West Bank.

According to eyewitness accounts, Mansour was standing with other peaceful protesters when he was attacked and severely beaten by undercover police. He received medical attention at Hadassah hospital for an injury to his back (from repeated blows by the butt of a rifle), a fractured rib (from repeated police stomping), severe swelling in his face, a chipped tooth and damage to his eardrum.

The arrested Israeli activists were taken to court and released that evening despite their demands to remain in custody until the release of the Palestinian detainees. The four Palestinians were refused bail and remained in police custody for another week before being released.

Mansour, a father of five, is accused of throwing stones, assaulting a police officer, and resisting arrest. He intends to plead not guilty on all charges in tomorrow's hearing. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) is planning a solidarity protest at the start of Mansour's trial outside the courthouse condemning Israel's criminalization of non violent peace activists.

DATE: SUNDAY JANUARY 2ND TIME: 1:30 PM PLACE: Jerusalem Peace Court, Russian Compound

CONTACT: Attorney Leah Tsemel 052.2.601.602 ISM Media: 054.6.253.451

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