Five Protesters Arrested in Jerusalem After Police Seize Sound Equipment

Five people were arrested on Saturday evening during an anti-government protest at Paris Square in Jerusalem, and police confiscated the sound equipment used by the demonstrators. Police said the event began as a protest but turned into a public disturbance, including attempts to block roads and use amplification equipment in violation of the permit conditions for the rally.

In a statement, police emphasized that the protesters used loud amplification before the end of Shabbat. They said the march was held without a permit and that the speakers were used contrary to the agreed terms. According to police, an officer instructed participants to stop using the equipment, but they refused, after which it was seized.

Police said they support the right to protest when it is lawful and conducted under the required conditions, but they will act firmly against harm to public order and disruption of daily life. The incident took place in central Jerusalem during an anti-government demonstration.

MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats criticized the enforcement approach, saying police should show the same determination against violent crime in Arab communities, break-ins by extremist Haredim into the homes of judges and police and army commanders, and violent settler gangs.