Ahed Tamimi’s Trial To Be Continued Behind Closed Doors

Jerusalem, 13 February, 2018 (TPS) -- The trial of Ahed Tamimi, a 16-year-old Palestinian girl who was arrested two months ago for slapping an Israeli soldier, is to be held behind closed doors, the Ofer Military Court ruled Tuesday. The court said that as Tamimi is a minor a trial behind closed doors is “in her best interests.”

Tamimi has been in custody since a video of her slapping an IDF soldier near her family home in Nabi Saleh went viral. However she also faces five additional counts of violence and incitement, including stone throwing, taking part in violent protests and incitement to violent action. Her mother, Nariman, is standing trial for attacking an officer, as well incitement to violence on social media.   

In response to the court’s decision, Ahed Tamimi’s attorney, Gabi Lasky pointed out that the police and the IDF themselves have been photographing Tamimi throughout the procedure. Lasky questioned the validity of the claim that a closed trial is in her client’s best interest and said she would be appealing the court’s decision.

“The court decided to close the doors [to the trial] because they claim that it is in Ahed’s best interest. I think they feel that it is in the court’s best interest” Laski said. “The minor (Tamimi) and her parents wanted the doors open and in this case, the court need not decide what is best for her. It decided what is best for the court and no what is best for Ahed.”