Court rules against marijuana rally
Police decision to deny pro-cannabis protest in Rabin Square upheld
The High Court rejected a petition that would have allowed a pro-marijuana rally in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square on Friday.
After the organizers were denied permission by the Tel Aviv police to hold the rally, they petitioned the High Court to overturn the police decision, arguing that it infringed on their right to free expression, Israel Radio reported on Tuesday.
The organizers were seeking city permission to close off the square for the event, along with police presence, but the police position — that an event that encouraged illegal drug use could not receive official sanction — was upheld by court.
The event was planned for Friday, April 20. The number “420” has become symbolic for marijuana use worldwide, and pro-legalization events are often held on April 20th.
Recent statistics revealed that Israel has the highest per-capita medical marijuana use in the world.
The Times of Israel Community.