Ofer - Stone Throwing, Interrogation of Witness
Translation: Marganit W.
Once again, a large number of Palestinians were waiting in bitter cold to enter the courtrooms. The lucky ones who were admitted into the compound, hurried to the waiting room to warm up or paced back and forth in the courtyard.
The courtrooms were not really heated: several air-conditioners were not working; the detainees in the hall kept rubbing their hands.
Judgment in the case of Mazen Nabil Muhammad Alaza,ID 979600939 -Case 3204/13
Alaza, who is not a young man, lives in Bethlehem. He is released on bail.
Judge: Major Meir Vigiser
Prosecutor: Captain Racheli Aviv
Defense: Atty. Nery Ramati
The indictment contains two charges: throwing rocks at security forces and participating in an unauthorized rally. This refers to a demonstration in Al Hadr that took place on 14.5.13 in commemoration of Naqba Day.
Although the judge acquitted the defendant of the charge of throwing rocks because of reasonable doubt, this court rarely grants complete acquittal; thus, the other charge of participating in an unlawful demonstration remained, even though the defense stated that “the area had not been declared a closed military zone and there is no proof that the demonstration was carried out without a permit”… It is well known that no permits are issued for demonstrations in the occupied territories.
A suspicion arises that the defendant had been marked as someone who should be neutralized because he was a prominent figure at the demonstration. This came out in the testimony of the principal prosecution witness, Sgt. Ilal Kashkosh who stated that “the defendant was the principal instigator, and this is why he was arrested.” Except that the reason for Alaza’s arrest was throwing rocks!
Main arguments for acquitting Alaza of the charge of rock throwing:
Uncertain identification
Remiss interrogation
See attached protocol for details (in Hebrew).
Judge: Lieut. Col. Menahem Lieberman
Prosecutor: Lieut. Nathanel Yakov-Chai
Defense: Atty. Nery RAmati
Evidentiary hearing in the case of
Amjad A'id Halil Abu Rahma, ID859217960 -Case 5597/13.
A 19-year old from Bil’in.
Charge: throwing rocks during the weekly Friday demonstration in Bil’in.
Amjad has been detained since 18.10.13.
In a previous trial he was given suspended sentence for 8 months for the same violation.
His father and his sister were in court.
Two prosecution witnesses were examined today:
The police interrogator who obtained a statement from Amjad.
The commander of Bil’in district who arrested the defendant.
His testimony dealt mostly with the question of identifying the defendant.
The next hearing was set for 31.12.13.
See attached protocol for further details (in Hebrew).