Shin Bet Chief Orders Resumption of Investigations into Arab Citizens Over 2021 Unrest
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Shin Bet Director David Zini has ordered the resumption and expansion of investigations into Arab citizens allegedly involved in the 2021 "Karama Uprising." The security agency claims further actions can be taken against those who used violence, set fires, and blocked roads. This comes despite previous mass arrests and releases, with the Shin Bet now seeking to reopen cases. Data shows hundreds were indicted in 2022 for involvement in incidents deemed terrorist or racially motivated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet Director David Zini ordered renewed investigations into Arab citizens over 2021 unrest.
- The agency claims further actions are possible against those who used violence and blocked roads.
- The 2021 "Karama Uprising" was preceded by escalating tensions in Sheikh Jarrah and at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Adalah reported mass arrests and alleged torture during the 2021 events.
- In 2022, hundreds were indicted for involvement in "terrorist or racially motivated" incidents.
- The Shin Bet intends to reopen investigation files and gather new information.
Shin Bet Director David Zini has ordered the resumption and expansion of investigations into Arab citizens allegedly involved in the "Karama Uprising" events of 2021. The Shin Bet claims to have reviewed information and concluded that further actions can be taken against individuals who used violence against Israeli citizens, set fires, and blocked roads. This directive follows a review of the events, according to the Walla! news site.
During the 2021 unrest, the Adalah Center stated that the events began due to escalating attacks on residents of Sheikh Jarrah, attempts to displace them, and the Judaization of the neighborhood, with Israeli security forces allegedly protecting settlers and attacking protesters and worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Damascus Gate. Adalah also reported that police and the Shin Bet arrested approximately 2,000 Palestinians in a campaign aimed at deterring protests, alleging torture of detainees in some cases, such as at the Maskubiya police station in Nazareth.
The Shin Bet now asserts that not all events from the Karama Uprising were investigated and not all suspects were arrested, despite the alleged arbitrary arrests and subsequent release of most detainees due to insufficient evidence. Walla! reported that investigation files have been transferred to the prosecution, and the Shin Bet intends to reopen these cases, gather new information, and continue investigations against Arab citizens.
According to prosecution data from 2022, indictments were filed against 239 individuals, 85% Arab and 15% Jewish, for involvement in 108 "terrorist or racially motivated" incidents, with fewer than 100 defendants receiving prison sentences. Adalah had previously noted that the UN formed an investigation committee into the root causes of discrimination against Palestinians within Israel following the 2021 events.
Mentioned
