JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli court sentenced a Palestinian organizer of demonstrations against Israel’s security fence to a year in prison.
Abdullah Abu Rahma, head of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in the West Bank village of Bilin, also was fined $1,250 by an Israeli military court on Monday.
Abu Rahma was arrested last December and convicted in August of incitement and participating in illegal demonstrations. He already has served 10 months of his sentence.
Observers including European diplomats and human rights groups representatives were present for the reading of the sentence, Ynet reported. European governments have called on Israel to stop harassing activists against the security fence in light of Abu Rahma’s arrest.
Dozens of Palestinian and Israeli protesters,as well as foreign activists, attend weekly demonstrations against the security fence in Bilin. The demonstrations often turn violent, with Israeli troops firing tear gas and rubber bullets after coming under attack by Palestinian youths throwing rocks.
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