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Remembering the First Intifada, International Human Rights Day, and the Imprisonment of Abdallah Abu Rahme
Today, December 10, 2010, Bil'in celebrated International Human Rights Day with a larger than normal demonstration through the village. Hundreds of supporters came from outside Bil'in to support the village's struggle for human rights, to mark the one-year anniversary of Abdallah Abu Rahme's imprisonment, and to commemorate the First Intifada. The demonstration was immediately fired upon with large amounts of tear gas from soldiers on several sides. The army had entered through the gate and were waiting in advance of the demonstrators. One Palestinian demonstrator was injured from tear gas, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation, and two were arrested – one Palestinian, Abd al-Fattah Burnat and one German citizen. The demonstrators marched with flags from Palestinian movements and sang numerous songs calling for an end to occupation and settlements and Palestinian national unity. Many Palestinian leaders participated in the demonstration in solidarity with the residents of Bil'in, including Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Mubadara Movement; Hisham Abo Riya, leader of the Palestine Liberation Front; Muheeb Awad, a Fatah leader and member of the Palestinian parliament; members and a leader of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front; and many Palestinians from outside of Bil'in. They were joined by dozens of international and Israeli supporters. |