Israeli Court Sentences Palestinian Activist Munther Amira to 6 Months After Ahed Tamimi Protest

An Israeli military court sentenced Palestinian activist Munther Amira to six months in prison in addition to a suspended sentence of five years and a fine, which will include additional penalties if Amira is detained during any activity and five years if he is detained during a protest after his release.

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Amira, the head of the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee (PSCC) in the occupied West Bank, was arrested last December while carrying a sign to demand the release of the 17-year-old activist Ahed Tamimi and her mother Nariman during a protest against United States President Donald Trump’s recognition of the occupied city of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Ahed Tamimi was arrested in December after a video of her slapping and pushing two fully armed Israeli occupation soldiers went viral. She now faces up to ten years in prison if found guilty of 12 charges, including incitement and assault.   

After the Ofer Military Court, which according to their own reports has a conviction rate of over 99 percent, sentenced him to six months in prison human rights organization like Amnesty International have called for his release.

According to Amnesty International Amira is a prisoner of conscience because he was arrested “while peacefully participating in a protest.” The organization believes the arrest is politically motivated due to Amira’s work in the PSCC, a community-based group that provides legal aid and advocacy support in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

In a press release published Monday Magdalena Mughrabi, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director reproached Israel: “Instead of unlawfully punishing Munther and other Palestinians who peacefully challenge the harsh reality of the ongoing occupation, the Israeli authorities must remember their legal obligations as the occupying power. This means respecting and protecting the rights of Palestinians to peacefully express themselves.”