JERSUALEM
An Israeli court has released on bail the deputy head of the Islamic Movement in Israel Kamal al-Khatib and group leader Ali Abu Sheikha, but has barred them from entering the holy city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) for the next 12 days.
"They have been freed after paying bail of $150 each," movement spokesman Zahi Nagidat told Anadolu Agency. "But the case hasn't been closed yet."
The court also barred the two men from entering Jerusalem until the end of September.
Israeli police arrested al-Khatib and Abu Sheikha late on Tuesday on allegations of inciting "riots" which disturbed public order inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque complex and fanning anger against Israeli authorities.
"The detention decision aims to give Israeli occupation forces the chance to establish exclusive control over Al-Aqsa," said Nagidat, a lawyer.
"That's why all activists who fight this plan are being targeted," he added.
Nevertheless, the Islamic Movement reiterated its determination to continue defending Al-Aqsa, Islam's third holiest shrine, from violations by Israeli security forces and extremist Jewish settlers.
"This policy will not scare us away from Al-Aqsa," it said in a statement.
"Our determination will not be shaken, even if the Israeli occupation authorities ban Sheikh Raed Salah, Sheikh Kamal al-Khatib and Sheikh Abu Sheikha and others from the city," the movement asserted.
By Khaled Zaghari
englishnews@aa.com.tr
