10 Israelis Arrested and Beaten at Anti-Wall Demo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 Israelis Arrested and Beaten at Bil'in Anti-Wall Demonstration

May 6, 2005

Bil'in, Ramallah, West Bank

10 Israeli non-violent peace activists were gassed, arrested, and severely beaten with batons by Israeli soldiers today at an Anti- Wall demonstration in the village of Bil'in west of the West Bank city of Ramallah. Several Palestinian demonstrators were wounded by rubber coated metal bullets. 3 were treated for tear gas inhalation. Arrestee Rabbi Arik Asherman of Rabbis for Human Rights was seen being beaten to the ground after being handcuffed.

Today's demonstrators, including 150 - 200 Palestinians from Bil'in, 70 Israelis from the groups Rabbis for Human Rights, Anarchists Against the Wall, and Gush Shalom, and the International Solidarity Movement, left the village and headed for the path of the Wall being cut through Bil'in's olive fields. They carried signs reading "Stop the Wall", "No to the Wall" in Arabic, Hebrew, and English.

No construction was occurring today on the site, but Israeli soldiers stood guard. As marchers approached the path of the Wall they were told it was a closed military zone and that the demonstration was illegal. As they continued peacefully walking forward they were met immediately by tear gas being fired on them. Soldiers then attacked demonstrators beating the Israelis with wooden batons and arresting them. The soldiers continued beating demonstrators even after being handcuffed.

Sound grenades and rubber coated steel bullets were also fired at the crowd.

Several Palestinians received minor wounds in the head, legs, and stomach.

One person was hit in the head with a tear gas canister. Several demonstrators were also treated for gas inhalation. The 10 arrestees are being held by the police at Givat Ze'ev settlement near Jerusalem and are reported to be currently being released.

Today's demonstration, organized by village residents against the construction of the annexation Wall through their olive groves, is the most recent action in a very active popular campaign against the Wall. Two days ago, Palestinians joined by International and Israeli activists chained themselves to olive trees. 11 were arrested and released.

ENDSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 Israelis Arrested and Beaten at Bil'in Anti-Wall Demonstration

May 6, 2005

Bil'in, Ramallah, West Bank

10 Israeli non-violent peace activists were gassed, arrested, and severely beaten with batons by Israeli soldiers today at an Anti- Wall demonstration in the village of Bil'in west of the West Bank city of Ramallah. Several Palestinian demonstrators were wounded by rubber coated metal bullets. 3 were treated for tear gas inhalation. Arrestee Rabbi Arik Asherman of Rabbis for Human Rights was seen being beaten to the ground after being handcuffed.

Today's demonstrators, including 150 - 200 Palestinians from Bil'in, 70 Israelis from the groups Rabbis for Human Rights, Anarchists Against the Wall, and Gush Shalom, and the International Solidarity Movement, left the village and headed for the path of the Wall being cut through Bil'in's olive fields. They carried signs reading "Stop the Wall", "No to the Wall" in Arabic, Hebrew, and English.

No construction was occurring today on the site, but Israeli soldiers stood guard. As marchers approached the path of the Wall they were told it was a closed military zone and that the demonstration was illegal. As they continued peacefully walking forward they were met immediately by tear gas being fired on them. Soldiers then attacked demonstrators beating the Israelis with wooden batons and arresting them. The soldiers continued beating demonstrators even after being handcuffed.

Sound grenades and rubber coated steel bullets were also fired at the crowd.

Several Palestinians received minor wounds in the head, legs, and stomach.

One person was hit in the head with a tear gas canister. Several demonstrators were also treated for gas inhalation. The 10 arrestees are being held by the police at Givat Ze'ev settlement near Jerusalem and are reported to be currently being released.

Today's demonstration, organized by village residents against the construction of the annexation Wall through their olive groves, is the most recent action in a very active popular campaign against the Wall. Two days ago, Palestinians joined by International and Israeli activists chained themselves to olive trees. 11 were arrested and released.

ENDS

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