Civil Rights Group Slams Police Over Stun Grenade Use at Protests

The Association for Civil Rights has urgently appealed to the Police Commissioner, the Legal Advisor to the Police, and the Police Investigations Department following the use of stun grenades thrown into dense groups of protesters during Haredi public demonstrations in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. At least three people were injured in protests last Sunday, including a 15-year-old boy who sustained moderate-to-severe injuries and a pregnant woman who was lightly to moderately injured.

The association emphasized in its appeal that police regulations prohibit throwing stun grenades less than five meters from protesters, require avoiding their use near children and pregnant women whenever possible, and mandate caution during their deployment. Despite previous appeals and documented evidence of procedural violations, the police have maintained that their use of grenades was lawful. The association is demanding an investigation into these incidents, an immediate cessation of the improper use of stun grenades, and a reinforcement of safety protocols for all police ranks.

This appeal comes amid public outcry over police conduct at Haredi protests. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has filed an urgent request with the High Court of Justice seeking to overturn an interim order preventing him from interfering with police directives. He alleges serious deviations from work procedures and the chain of command, claiming the Police Commissioner ordered excessive force against Haredi demonstrators. The police spokesperson dismissed these allegations as "baseless and without any foundation."

Eden Gilad, Protest Freedom Coordinator at the Association for Civil Rights, stated, "The right to protest is a fundamental right, and it belongs to every person, regardless of their identity or views. It is unacceptable for the police to continue throwing stun grenades at protesters in blatant violation of their own procedures. The police's duty is to protect the safety of protest participants, not to endanger their lives. Without effective investigation and oversight, the next serious injuries are only a matter of time."

This is not the first time the Association for Civil Rights has raised this issue. In June, following serious incidents at "The Jerusalem Faction" protests, the association sent a similar appeal, alleging that officers used stun grenades, pepper spray, and foam water cannons dangerously and in direct violation of regulations, endangering lives. The association noted that police procedures were updated to explicitly forbid throwing stun grenades within five meters of protesters, yet these rules were allegedly ignored.