Deal reached: Rightists to protest in Arab town
Rightists, officials reach compromise; Marzel clashes with judge: We deserve same rights as leftists
Rightist activists Baruch Marzel and Itamar Ben-Gvir have received permission to demonstrate in Umm al-Fahm but not outside the city's Islamic Movement offices, following a compromise with the State Prosecutor's Office.
According to the agreement, the activists will be allowed to protest in Umm al-Fahm's northern entrance.
A harsh verbal exchange between Marzel and Supreme Court Judge Asher Grunis took place before the compromise was reached.
"We are citizens and we deserve the same right as leftists - whose views may be closer to yours . I shouldn't have to take my yarmulke off when I come in here to get the same rights. What Arabs and leftists deserve, we deserve too," Marzel said.
Judge Grunis replied: "If you keep this up, we'll throw you out of here. You should learn to behave like your friend (Ben-Gvir)."
Marzel answered: "I always get that," to which Grunis replied: "It must be right."
'Important step'
Ben-Gvir said the compromise was an important step: "The High Court has made it clear to the police that we have a right to protest against Raed Salah and his Marmara-supporting friends. I hope that eventually the High Court will allow us to demonstrate outside Salah's private residence and be awarded the rights given to Arabs and leftists."
Marzel and Ben-Gvir in court (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Ben-Gvir, Marzel and MK Michael Ben Ari demanded to be allowed to protest outside the Islamic Movement's offices in Umm al-Fahm during a hearing at Supreme Court on Thursday.
Ben-Gvir also compared the rightist protest to Thursday's Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem.
"It's unacceptable that Umm al-Fahm be immune from protests. In several hours there will be a parade which bothers me greatly with people wearing clothes I wouldn't wear to the beach. Nevertheless, we accept the court's ruling," he said.
During the hearing, a police official warned that the protest will be met with resistance and may lead to injuries. The State's representative said that police officers were injured during the last rally and estimated the demonstration would require the deployment of 2,000 police officers
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