12/11/14 Haifa. Mass protests that have been on going since Saturday November 8th when Kheir al-Din al-Hamdan a 22 year old resident of Kufr Kana was shot and killed by Israeli police while retreating from them. In response to the demonstrations police have been using tactics of intimidation to deter youth from participating. Their tactics have included entering schools and threatening teachers and students with detention if they are in any way involved with the protests.

So far over 100 people have been arrested during protests and now youth are being detained and called in for questioning whether they have participated in a demonstration or not. In Kufr Kana the police have arrested 15 minors. Today, youth in Haifa have been called in by the police for questioning of their actions and their potential involvement in future demonstrations.

Leaders in the Arab community and organizations such as Mossawa have been trying to keep the current tensions from escalating to further violence.  These tactics of intimidation make it apparent that Israeli police are not interested in a de-escalation of violence. Their actions make it clear they are only interested in a swift end to the demonstrations which is a violation of the rights of Arab citizens to freedom of speech. A democratic state should encourage political debate and participation. While Jewish youth are encouraged to voice their political opinions Arab politically active youth are met with arrests and intimidation.

The Mossawa Center calls on the Israeli government and police to end their strategy of intimidation and fear. These actions will only lead to further escalation of violence and tension between the government and the Arab community.