Umm al-Fahm Committee Head Criticizes Police Campaign
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Mohammed Mahamid, head of the Popular Committee in Umm al-Fahm, criticized the police's security campaign, alleging fines for minor issues and questioning the targeting of businesses. He highlighted safety concerns regarding school transportation that remain unaddressed. Mahamid also reported his home was searched shortly after he voiced criticism, suggesting a possible connection. He expressed concern about potential retaliatory measures against the Arab community following recent elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Umm al-Fahm's Popular Committee head criticizes police for fining residents for minor infractions.
- Mahamid questions the targeting of businesses and accuracy of police claims on illegal money.
- Concerns about unsafe school transportation remain unaddressed despite prior complaints.
- Mahamid's home was searched after he criticized the police campaign.
- He fears retaliatory measures against the Arab community post-election.
Mohammed Mahamid, head of the Popular Committee in Umm al-Fahm, has criticized the ongoing police security campaign in the city, stating that officers are issuing fines for minor infractions. He argued that police are exaggerating some procedures that could have been resolved with a warning or a simple citation, placing additional financial burdens on residents. Mahamid noted that the Popular Committee met with the Umm al-Fahm police station chief three months prior to discuss both rising violence and what he termed unjustified fines.
Mahamid affirmed the committee's support for efforts to combat organized crime, confiscate illegal weapons, and seize illicit funds that he believes are damaging the community. However, he questioned the targeting of some businesses under the guise of pursuing illegal money, claiming that large sums are being imposed on business owners for minor errors in their tax filings. He asserted that police announcements do not accurately reflect the reality on the ground.
He also raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren transported in unqualified private vehicles, some of which exceed their passenger capacity. Mahamid stated he had presented this issue to the police chief during their meeting, urging its resolution instead of focusing on issuing fines. Despite an agreement to hold another meeting with the mayor and the committee, no progress has been made on this issue.
Mahamid revealed that his home was searched by police about 12 hours after he spoke out about weapons confiscation. The search extended to a building near his sons, an abandoned sheep pen, and a charity nursery. Mahamid believes this search may be linked to his public criticism, emphasizing that neither he nor his family are known to be involved in weapons or criminal activities.
Connecting the timing of the security campaign to the post-election period, Mahamid expressed fears of retaliatory measures against the Arab community, citing a perceived decline in Arab representation in the government.
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