Ethiopian Israelis protesting police brutality attacked

Ethiopian Israelis protesting police brutality attacked

FPJ BureauUpdated: Saturday, June 01, 2019, 02:00 AM IST
article-image

Tel Aviv :  Police fired stun grenades to disperse a rally by Ethiopian Israelis demonstrating in central Tel Aviv against alleged police brutality and widespread discrimination.

Some of the demonstrators hurled stones, bottles and chairs from nearby restaurants after attempting to storm the Tel Aviv municipality building.

Mounted police used riot stun grenades and water cannon as well as pepper spray on Sunday to disperse the crowd and clear nearby streets, but an AFP correspondent said the protesters kept returning.

Emergency medical services said 23 officers and seven demonstrators were injured in the clashes.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said a number of protesters were arrested.

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said dispersing the “riot” was difficult since it had no clear leadership. “There is nobody to talk to,” he told reporters.

Sunday’s protest came three days after a stormy demonstration in Jerusalem sparked by footage showing two policemen beating a uniformed Israeli soldier of Ethiopian origin.

Scores of other Israelis also joined yesterday’s rally, chanting and holding up signs reading: “A violent policeman must be put in prison” and “We demand equal rights”.

As they marched through Tel Aviv, some held their arms up in the air, wrists crossed as if handcuffed.

Demonstrators earlier blocked the Ayalon expressway during rush-hour, causing huge traffic jams on one of Israel’s central highways before police forcefully evacuated them.

RECENT STORIES

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...