Aharonovitch: Government didn't try to stop social protest

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch dismissed claims that the government tried to stop the summer's social protest on Tuesday.

"Talk of an instruction from the top or a minister's or government involvement is nonsense," he said. "There was no instruction, the minister does not direct the police, everyone knows there's a separation of powers."

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Aharonovitch slammed the protesters who were involved in acts of vandalism across Tel Aviv in Saturday's protest events. "I will not allow riots, the blocking of roads or the breaking of bank windows. One cannot accuse the police of being disruptive after this." The minister added that the rioters came with the intention of causing damage.

Nevertheless he stressed that claims of police brutality will be examined. "We all saw the images. I instructed the commissioner to check the matter. I regard this with the utmost severity, but let's keep it on the sidelines." He said he will continue to back the police.

Asked what has changed since last year's protest, Aharonovitch replied that this year the protesters failed to ask for a permit to hold the demonstrations. He noted that the other change is that on Friday police officers were asked to help the city's inspectors.

"Last year there were protests and everything went smoothly. If the mayor decided against the setting up of tents then the decision should be honored."

Meanwhile, after putting up fierce opposition to the erection of new tents in Rothschild Boulevard, the Tel Aviv Municipality has agreed to allow social activist Tamir Hajaj to set up a tent outside the Savidor Train Station. The encampment will also include members of the protest movement for equal army service.

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