Communist Party and Front Condemn Cassif Conviction as Political Persecution

The Communist Party and the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality have condemned the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court's decision to convict Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif on charges of "assaulting a police officer under aggravated circumstances." The conviction stems from Cassif's participation in a 2022 protest against the displacement of Palestinians from Masafer Yatta.

The party and front view the conviction as part of a pattern of political persecution targeting Cassif due to his stance against the occupation and settlement activity. They argue that the government, which they accuse of enabling settler violence and displacing Palestinians, is now prosecuting those who oppose these actions, while perpetrators enjoy impunity.

Cassif's participation in the Masafer Yatta protest was in solidarity with residents facing displacement, an act they describe as consistent with his principles and political and humanitarian duty. His prosecution, they contend, serves as a warning to anyone who speaks out against the occupation's alleged crimes.

The parties assert that attempts to silence Cassif, including a previous effort to disqualify his Knesset candidacy, are linked to his conviction. They believe his vocal opposition to the occupation and his advocacy for Arab-Jewish partnership for peace disturb a government aiming to criminalize solidarity with Palestinians and suppress dissent.

According to the statement, Cassif is paying the price for his principled positions and refusal to compromise on Palestinian rights. He is facing this persecution with steadfastness, continuing his struggle against incitement, attacks, and exclusion attempts.