Jerusalem court adjourns incitement trial of Al-Aqsa preacher Ekrima Sabri

A Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Monday held its first evidentiary hearing in the trial of Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem, who faces charges of incitement brought by Israeli prosecutors.

During the hearing, an Israeli prosecution witness testified regarding Sabri’s participation in condolence gatherings and statements he had made publicly, according to reports on the proceedings.

Sabri’s defence team challenged the testimony, arguing that it lacked specificity, was not directly connected to the allegations contained in the indictment and did not comply with established procedures for hearing witnesses.

The court accepted the defence’s objection and discontinued that portion of the witness’s testimony.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the court adjourned proceedings until 23^rd November 2026, when it is expected to continue hearing evidence and testimony from prosecution witnesses.

Sabri did not attend Monday’s hearing because of health reasons. The court proceeded with the session in his absence.