Despite prior approval given by the police for a demonstration initiated by the Lehava organization against the 'Abomination March' taking place today (Thursday) in Jerusalem, the right-wing organization claims that the police are detaining for questioning demonstrators on its behalf, who wanted to protest, and are detaining Lehava and Otzma Yehudit activists who arrived near the 'Abomination March' route, with the intention of attending the counter-demonstration.
According to lawyer Itamar Ben Gvir, the activists are being detained according to a "black list" held by the police. Ben Gvir announced that he intends to file a lawsuit "for silencing and gagging.".
According to the police, "As an integral part of the preparations for the parade, the police acted with the aim of preventing and thwarting any intention or attempt to harm its proper existence or any of the participants. As part of this, the police detained 41 suspects and arrested one suspect who were brought for questioning at the district units. At the end of their questioning, most of them were released on bail.".
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According to the Lehava organization, more than 20 people were arrested and detained - including girls - "as part of the false arrests by the Jerusalem police. Most of those detained were on their way to a Lehava demonstration and the police did not allow them to do so.".
Lehava Chairman Bentzi Gopstein, who is leading the demonstration against the 'Abomination March', along with Dr. Michael Ben Ari, Marzel and Attorney Ben Gvir, said at the beginning of the demonstration: "The police are sabotaging the counter-demonstration and after working to silence the march's opponents, they are now working to reduce the number of counter-demonstrators, which is already limited in light of the police restrictions.".
According to the organization's activists, the police used violence against Lehava and Otzma activists and that even though "the demonstration was legally approved, a police officer ran into the protest and began beating demonstrators. He beat lawyer Ben Gvir, who was slightly injured.".
During the attack, the officer also damaged Itamar Ben-Gvir's glasses. Chairman Lehava Gopshtin was also dragged away. "Right-wingers are furious about the police's conduct," they say. "The protest was approved by the police, who for some reason violated the agreement.".
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Later, according to attorney Itamar Ben-Gvir, police officers disguised as marchers of the "Abomination March" broke into a demonstration by the Lehava organization and arrested one of the participants.
Benzi Gopstein: "The police never stop making provocations and taunting. Bringing disguised police officers into a Lehava demonstration is like bringing a photographer into a hall. The Israel Police decided to sabotage the protest.".
The police said that 2,400 police and Border Guard soldiers, both visible and covert, are securing the 'Abomination Parade', and they are assisted by the police's aerial array and municipal cameras deployed throughout the city.
Two counter-demonstrations are being held throughout Jerusalem at the entrance to the city and in front of the parade gathering area.
The Israel Police stated: "We regret presenting the facts in a manner that is untrue.
The Israel Police, as a law enforcement agency, is responsible for public safety and security at all times and in all places. The role of the police in a democratic country is to allow every person to express their opinions and protest according to the law, provided that that person does not violate this right, a right that is also granted to those whose opinions differ.
To enable these basic rights, the Israel Police operates, both overtly and covertly, to prevent incitement to violence, disturbances, or harm to human life, all within the framework of the law.
"It goes without saying that the Israel Police will continue to allow everyone the freedom to protest, provided that it is approved in advance and in accordance with the law.".
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