ISRAELI OCCUPATION FORCES SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHER IN BILIN DEMONSTRATIONS

        Ramallah, 25 Shafar 1435/28 December 2013 (MINA) – A photographer was injured and dozens suffered from excessive tear gas inhalation as Israeli occupation forces dispersed a demonstration in Bilin near Ramallah. 

        Israeli occupation forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas and stun grenades at demonstrators as they neared their lands close to the wall. 

        Maan News Agency reported as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) that Photographer Mohammad Yassin, 20, was hit with a rubber coated steel bullet during the protests.

         The demonstration was held in celebration of Christmas and the release of Samer Issawi, and in protest of Israeli occupation settlement activity and the separation wall.

         Participants, some of whom wore Santa Claus costumes, raised Palestinian flags and chanted songs for unity and resistance. 

         Since 2005, Bilin villagers have protested on a weekly basis against the Israeli separation wall that runs through their village on land confiscated from local farmers.

         Previous protests by Bilin activists have forced the Israeli authorities to re-route the wall, but large chunks of the village lands remain inaccessible to residents because of the route. (T/P015/E1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)