UTV | COLOMBO – A Palestinian teenage girl filmed slapping an Israeli soldier has gone on trial in an Israeli military court in a case which has split public opinion.
Ahed Tamimi, 17, is charged with 12 offences, including assaulting security forces and incitement to violence.
If convicted, she could face a lengthy jail term.
For Palestinians, Ms Tamimi is a symbol of resistance to Israeli occupation, but many Israelis regard her as a violent troublemaker seeking publicity.
Ms Tamimi arrived at the military court on Tuesday morning with her hands and feet in shackles, and wearing a prison jumpsuit.
Her father, Bassem, was waiting in the court room when she arrived, and urged her to “stay strong”.
Journalists waiting to report on the trial were ordered to leave by the judge, on the grounds that the accused was being treated as a minor. Such cases are usually tried in private.
But in Ms Tamimi’s case, this went against the wishes of the family. (Courtesy – BBC)
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[ot-caption title=”The trial is being held behind closed doors at Ofer military court” url=”http://utvnewsenglish.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1.jpg”]
[ot-caption title=”Ahed Tamimi was seen threatening to punch a soldier when she was aged 11″ url=”http://utvnewsenglish.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2.jpg”]
[ot-caption title=”Palestinian supporters around the world have called for Tamimi’s release” url=”http://utvnewsenglish.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/3.jpg”]