Israel tramples free speech

[P F Tinmore]

JERUSALEM (AFP) – A military court has convicted the Palestinian organiser of regular protests against Israel's West Bank wall, prompting the European Union to express concern on Wednesday.

The court at Ofer prison, near Ramallah, on Tuesday convicted Abdullah Abu Rahma, 39, for "participating (in), organising and inciting" protests in the West Bank village of Bilin, said the Committee against The Wall which he heads.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton expressed deep concern "that the possible imprisonment of Mr Abu Rahma is intended to prevent him and other Palestinians from exercising their legitimate right to protest against the existence of the separation barriers in a non-violent manner," her office said.

"The EU considers the route of the barrier where it is built on Palestinian land to be illegal," it quoted her as saying in a statement.

Israel military court convicts anti-wall protester - Yahoo! News

 

[P F Tinmore]

JERUSALEM – The European Union's top diplomat has slammed Israel for convicting a Palestinian activist who leads protests against the West Bank separation barrier.

Wednesday's statement from Catherine Ashton says she is "concerned" by the conviction of Abdullah Abu Rahmeh. She says it aims to prevent Palestinians from protesting Israeli actions.

Abu Rahmeh, who led marches from the village of Bilin to the barrier, has been jailed since December. An Israeli military court convicted him Tuesday of incitement and demonstrating illegally.

EU slams Israel's verdict on Palestinian activist - Yahoo! News