|
World Jewish News
Dozens arrested for trying to march to defunct Gaza settlements
12.04.2009
The police on Sunday detained dozens of right-wing activists who tried to march from Sderot to the area where once stood the Israeli settlements of Gush Katif in the southern Gaza Strip.
Some 600 protesters tried to cross Highway 34 leading out of Sderot, but the police cordoned off some of the access roads into and out of the city for fear that the marchers would try to hold a procession in the direction of Gush Katif.
From the early morning hours, police forces were deployed in anticipation of the protest. Some 200 officers were assigned the task of keeping order after they had received information that protesters were planning a demonstration to mark the removal of Israeli settlements from Gaza.
Hundreds of right-wing activists on Sunday began marching through Sderot in an attempt to reach the former Gaza settlement of Gush Katif, despite clear warnings from both police and municipal leaders.
The Sderot municipality voiced its opposition to the protest immediately after it was announced and local police detained 10 former Gush Katif residents ahead of the march.
"None of the demonstrators asked for a permit and the [protest] was not organized with any of the proper authorities," said Lachish District Police Chief David Bitan. "Neither the march nor the demonstration are legal. It could harm the public peace and we will not let it happen."
Three of the demonstration organizers were among the detainees, according to Bitan. He said police would ask the court to extend their remand.
Police stationed some 300 officers across the city and were on special alert to prevent the unlawful assembly.
"Sderot residents are enjoying the tranquility of the holiday," said Sderot Mayor David Buskilla. "Whoever plans to demonstrate must have the proper permits."
Sderot is less than 5 kilometers from the Gaza border and has been subject to a constant onslaught of Qassam rockets from the coastal territory.
By Yanir Yagna, Haaretz Correspondent
Источник: Haaretz
|
|
