Police say they rushed funeral after rocks thrown at officers, 6 arrested

Police defend rushing at crowds at the funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh, saying that mourners, including those near the coffin, had been throwing rocks and objects at police.

“Before and at the start of the funeral procession, after incitement and violent riots began in the hospital plaza, which included throwing stones and objects at the policemen, the policemen had to disperse and repel the rioters and make arrests in order to allow the funeral to take place as required,” police say in a statement.

They also release video showing rocks being thrown and a police commander warning the crowd that if they continue to chant nationalist and inciting calls, they will stop the funeral.

“The stones and objects were also thrown by those near the coffin at the hospital These rioters even damaged the funeral vehicle and tried to prevent it from driving,” police say.

“We are sorrowed by the cynical exploitation made by instigators, in the death of the journalist,” police say, adding that six people were arrested.