Middle East News
Israeli police prevents Palestinian cultural activity in Jerusalem
Dec 17, 2009, 15:28 GMT
Jerusalem - Israeli police used force Thursday to break a meeting of Palestinians who had gathered outside the Old City of Jerusalem's Damascus Gate to mark the end of Jerusalem as the capital of Arab culture, witnesses said.
They said the police stormed the gathering and took down signs and Palestinian flags, while beating participants with clubs. Police arrested a number of Palestinians.
The police also issued orders forcing six schools and the French Cultural Centre in Jerusalem closed for the day because they were planning to hold events marking this occasion, said Palestinian officials.
Israeli police were quoted as saying the gathering was held without authorization and participants refused to disperse when ordered to do so and scuffled with the police officers.
The Arab League last year designated Jerusalem as capital of Arab culture for 2009. Palestinians tried to hold events in the occupied section of the city since the start of event in February, but police have attempted to prevent them from doing so.
Israel says Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem occupied in 1967, is its eternal capital and prevents any official Palestinian activity in the city. The Palestinians also want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future Palestinian state.
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