Protest held outside Israeli prison over Ahed Tamimi detention
Dozens of people have staged a protest against the detention of Ahed Tamimi, a 16-year-old Palestinian activist, who has become the face of resistance by Palestinian youths against the Israeli occupation of their land.
The protesters gathered on Saturday outside Hasharon Prison, where Tamimi is being kept.
They called for the release of Tamimi as well as all other political prisoners.
Tamimi became the latest face of Palestinian resistance when footage emerged of her slapping first one and then another fully-armed Israeli officer in the face during a protest in her home village of Nabi Saleh, near the Palestinian city of Ramallah.
Israeli forces had earlier shot her cousin in the face. During a confrontation that reportedly erupted over that shooting, Ahed, recognizable by her young age and blond curly hair as well as her courageous posture, slapped and kicked two Israeli forces while protesting. Israel claimed that the confrontation took place after a stone-throwing assault on its troops.
Faced with embarrassment as that video went viral, Israelis decided to arrest Ahed. They took her into custody on December 19. According to some accounts, 20 Israeli army Jeeps arrived at Ahed's house before dawn to arrest her.
According to Reuters, the charge sheet against Tamimi included counts of aggravated assault against a soldier, who the army claimed was bruised on his brow by her punch, obstructing a soldier in the performance of his duty and throwing stones at troops.
Footage appeared later of her ransacked room, with her belongings strewn across the room, her bed mattress overturned, and her closets emptied on the floor.
In the footage, a window can be seen with what seems to be a bullet hole.
Ahed was arrested along with her mother, Nariman, who had been nabbed five times before, including for filming her children and other youths protesting against Israel.
Amnesty International in January called on the global community to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into releasing the Palestinian teen activist.
"There is nothing Ahed Tamimi has done that can justify the continuing detention of a 16-year-old child. She is one of approximately 350 Palestinian children held in Israeli prisons and detention centers," said the rights group in an urgent appeal.
On December 25, the Israeli military court, Ofer, extended the custody of the famous teenage Palestinian protester, as well as that of her mother and cousin.
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