High Court discussion on Sde Teiman paused as protesters interrupt proceedings

Right-wing protesters interrupt a High Court of Justice hearing on the Sde Teiman detention facility for some 30 minutes, shouting “Disgrace” and “We are the sovereign” when the attorney for the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which petitioned the court to shut down the facility, begins speaking.

The protest, conducted by a group of right-wing activists, mirrors similar protests against other petitions against the state’s policies.

Acting Supreme Court President Uzi Vogelman speaks out strongly against the protesters after they are removed from the court.

“This was an attempt to stop a court hearing. We respect the right to protect, but protests are not done in court, especially not when they are designed to thwart hearings,” says Vogelman.

“The courts in Israel act in accordance with the law during a time of war as well, and will continue to do so.”

Aner Helman, representing the state, says the “major principles” of the law for holding detainees has been observed at the Sde Teiman facility, where allegations have been made of severe abuse of detainees.

Justice Daphne Barak Erez quizzes Helman over this phrase, asking what he means by “major principles,” and he says he can reply in the later part of the hearing behind closed doors.

Helman also says that conditions have improved and that a new facility will be opened up in a month to further improve the situation.

Oded Feller for ACRI insists that Sde Teiman “is the same facility” as it has been since October and that the same abuses are continuing.

The justices point out, however, that the number of detainees has been drastically reduced from some 700 when the petition was filed to just 30 today, saying that this likely allowed for better holding conditions.

מהומה בדיון בג"ץ על שדה תימן: קריאות "בושה, בושה", השופטים יצאו להפסקהhttps://t.co/oZIIDopFJs@aviadglickman pic.twitter.com/Uh5FGDQ7pc

— חדשות 13 (@newsisrael13) August 7, 2024