Tibi: Will police arrest Jews for eating on Ramadan?

Arab-Israeli MK blasts arrest of driver who sparked off Acre riots, says "Police caved in to Jewish vandals."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
tibi 224.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
tibi 224.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Arab-Israeli MK Ahmed Tibi (UAL) on Tuesday sharply criticized the arrest of Jamal Taufik, who sparked off the Acre riots by driving through an overwhelmingly Jewish neighborhood on the eve of Yom Kippur. "It is an unreasonable decision devoid of any legal basis that won't contribute to restoring calm," he said. "The Israel Police has caved in to Jewish hooligans," continued Tibi, adding, "I wonder if they will start to arrest Jews who eat and drink during the month of Ramadan." Taufik was arrested Monday evening following a police investigation. He is suspected of driving dangerously and insulting religion. The Acre Magistrate's Court remanded the Arab-Israeli for five days. Also speaking Tuesday, Hadash chairman Muhammad Barakei called Taufik's arrest "outrageous." On Sunday, Acre's Arab leaders released a proclamation apologizing for Taufik's actions that triggered the fierce riots in the city. The proclamation was signed by 11 local Arab leaders including MK Abbas Zakour (United Arab List-Ta'al), Acre Deputy Mayor Gazawi Osama, three municipal councilmen - Sliman Wishakhi, Adham Jamal and Salim Nijmi - Sheikh Muhammad Madi and IBA newsman Zoheir Bahlul. Meanwhile, the Syrian regime blasted Israel for the Acre clashes in remarks published Tuesday, saying the riots were further proof of Israel's racism, its hatred of Arabs and its desire to "cleanse" the region of any Arab presence. "Not only do the events in Acre emphasize the spread of racism on the Israeli street - racism which goes back to the beginning of Israel's establishment on Palestinian land - they also refute the claim that Israel is a cradle of democracy," said the state-controlled Tishrin newspaper.