Press Release:
NGO Monitor Statement on Remand of Ahed Tamimi and NGO Campaigns
Jerusalem – Today the Israeli Military Court ordered the continued remand of Ahed Tamimi pending her trial. Tamimi was indicted on multiple counts of assault of law enforcement officers, slingshotting stones, and incitement to commit suicide attacks.
Since her arrest, NGOs claiming to promote human rights have been calling for her release, primarily on the basis of her age as well as the political motivations surrounding the incidents.
In response, Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, former head of prosecution in Judea and Samaria and Military Justice Consultant at NGO Monitor, states, “Tamimi’s repeated attacks on security forces, other violent crimes, and incitement to terrorism would in most, if not all, Western legal systems warrant her arrest pending trial. NGOs cannot have it both ways: arguing that she is treated too harshly for a 16-year old, but also lauding her for engaging in an intentional provocation against soldiers.”
NGO Monitor notes that the NGOs advocating for Tamimi’s release regularly attack the military courts, claiming inherent bias. However, today’s decision shows that the court acted independently and applied the law, basing its decisions on the evidence presented and the other relevant factors.
It is important to highlight Tamimi’s home environment. Her father was previously convicted of organizing the village’s children to ambush and attack Israeli soldiers. Her mother has also been indicted for similar offenses.
Hirsch adds, “If these self-described ‘human rights organizations’ had any credibility they would condemn the systematic incitement and weaponization of children promoted in Palestinian society. They would also condemn the violent action and rhetoric of the defendant.”