Conviction of Palestinian protester ‘worries’ EU
Catherine Ashton calls Israel’s interrogation of minor a ‘violation of human rights’
JERUSALEM (AP) — The European Union says it is “concerned” over Israel’s conviction of a prominent Palestinian protest leader.
An Israeli military court on Sunday convicted Bassem al-Tamimi, 45, of urging youths to throw rocks at security forces and of leading illegal demonstrations, based on the testimony of a 15-year-old.
Al-Tamimi led protests in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh for years against Israeli policies. The protests often turn into clashes between rock-throwing youths and Israeli forces firing tear gas.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement Tuesday that the minor was interrogated “in violation of his rights.”
The EU considers al-Tamimi a human rights defender. Ashton said Israel should allow people to protest peacefully.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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