Scales of Justice Viewed As Unbalanced
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A nationalist organization has noted that Israeli courts have issued two different opinions on street-blocking protests, with a more severe judgment handed down to nationalist supporters. The “Headquarters of Cities” group publicized two recent decisions, one which ordered right-wing demonstrators to be held in custody until the end of judicial proceedings while left-wing protestors were ordered to work for a period of time in public service.
In the case of left-wingers who protested on a major Tel Aviv street against the separation barrier, Justice Moki Lendman stated, “In a democratic state, it is best to guard the right of protest and to be careful not to apply criminal law in every case” in demonstrations. Non-violent blocking of the street in front of government offices does not demand severe punishment,” the justice wrote. In addition, “Those charged exercised their right to protest on a matter which in their eyes is an unforgivable offense toward Arabs.”
In a judgment against right-wing protestors who claimed they were within their rights to show civil disobedience, a justice wrote that such action raises “moral questions.” The decision stated that the protestors were engaged in “civil rebellion” that does not justify blocking streets, which can prevent “a pregnant woman from arriving to the hospital or a fire truck from reaching a fire.”