"Violent and baseless raid": demand for investigation against police who raided a wedding in Umm al-Fahm
The Mousawa Center is demanding an investigation against police officers who raided a wedding in Umm al-Fahm on Saturday night, alleging the use of disproportionate force, the throwing of stun grenades, and the use of a taser. The police stated that the operation was carried out due to suspicion of the use of weapons, but no weapon was found and no one was arrested. The center demands the preservation of evidence and a response within seven days.
The Mousawa Center for the Rights of Arab Citizens in Israel appealed today (Tuesday) to the Police Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Danny Levy, and to the Department for Police Investigations, demanding an immediate investigation following the conduct of police officers who raided a private wedding at the home of the Mustafa al-Af'an family in Umm al-Fahm on Saturday night. The appeal was also forwarded to the Coastal District Commander, Superintendent Yehiel Bohadana, and other commanders. The center claims that the documentation and testimonies raise suspicion of exceeding authority, the use of disproportionate force, and harm to the fundamental rights of the celebrants. Attorney Kamal Khouri describes the trauma in the letter: large police forces entered the compound, threw stun grenades, ordered participants to lie on the ground, and conducted body searches. It is alleged that chairs were broken and damage was caused to the stage and cameras. In the documentation, an officer is seen allegedly using a taser against a young man who was already held. The police said the raid was carried out due to suspicion of the use of weapons, but no weapon was found and no one was arrested. The center demands the preservation of evidence and a response within seven days, and warns that it will consider appealing to legal courts.