12-07-01 Protest Renewed - Thousands protested in Tel Aviv

The protest in Jerusalem is smaller scale, but daily now.  The protest in Jerusalem hinges on freedom of assembly in public space.  Zion Square has been for decades the main public space and protest location in Israel.  This year, permits to protest in Zion Square were denied.  The reason - without any public notice or debate, the municipality of Jerusalem decided to "privatize" the space, and it was sold to the light train company.  The protests in Jerusalem this year often started in a nearby space, then proceeded to Zion Square, and ended in blocking the trains.  Police were violent in Tel Aviv, but in Jerusalem they were very careful not to get into any confrontation.

Separately, a government committee on "Capital-Government Connections" published today its report and recommendation.  One of the recommendations - public officials should not be permitted to meet certain business people in private...

Separately, Judgment (conviction/acquittal) of former Prime Minister Olmert is expected this week in three separate cases of public corruption and bribes.

In the meanwhile, former President Katzav is serving his seven year sentence on rape in office.




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