Israel opens 105 indictment files since start of intifada

Indictments against Palestinians over social media posts in Israel have sharply increased since the start of the Jerusalem Intifada, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported yesterday.

Based on the information reported, 105 indictment files were opened against Palestinians in the last three months compared to only 50 in the first six months of the year.

Israeli authorities depend on information from the internal security service Shin Bet regarding social media offences.

However, Haaretz reported lawyers saying that when it comes to Palestinians enforcement is “speedy and focused”, but when it comes to Israelis the authorities turn a blind eye.

Read: Palestinian student arrested after Facebook post

Haaretz said that authorities indicted Palestinian Mohamed Abul-Kaf, 21, from occupied Jerusalem, accusing him of using Facebook to hail martyrs and share songs which glorify the stabbing attacks.

Israeli Public Prosecution considered Abul-Kaf’s page a tool for “encouraging violence and terrorist acts.”

The Israeli newspaper said only three cases were brought for incitement in 2013.

Also Read: Israel charges eight Palestinians over Facebook posts