Three Israeli judges hearing the trial of the West Bank Fatah movement's secretary general and leader of the Tanzim, Marwan Barghouti at the Tel Aviv District Court criticized Israeli Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein on Monday for calling Barghouti a "mass-murdering architect of terrorism" before the latter's trial had ended.
Rubinstein made the comments following reports that Israel was considering releasing Barghouti along with other Palestinian prisoners under the so-called “road map” for peace.
Barghouti is charged with leading and conducting “suicide attacks” on Israeli targets and is accused of "murder and
attempted murder."
Israel Radio reported that Barghouti presented the court with Rubinstein's comments as proof that he could not possibly have a fair trial in an Israeli court. Barghouti refused to testify at his own trial, claiming that the court does not have any jurisdiction over him nor the right to try him. Barghouti claimed that his trial was contrived by Israel's security and judicial establishments and that he never had a chance at a fair trial.
Moreover, he added that Rubinstein's comments two weeks ago constitute a "blatant" interference in the legal proceedings against him. The three judges agreed with him, saying that Rubinstein's comments were out of place and constituted subjudice as Barghouti has not yet convicted of involvement in “terrorism”.
Barghouti declared that "The Israeli occupiers are not prepared to give me a just trial. We [Palestinians] will not give up until we have independence. We will not fear assassinations, closures."
He added that the Israeli government never responds to any Palestinian initiatives to advance the talks and does not allow tensions between the sides to calm down.
The Palestinian leader has also filed a petition against the conditions in which he has been held for the last 10 months, according to Tel-Aviv based HaAretz newspaper.
He claimed that "they are trying to kill me. I do not get medical equipment." He also said that he is being held in solitary confinement and members of his family are not allowed to visit him.
Since Barghouti is refusing to testify at his own trial, the defense has rested, as has the prosecution. The court thus adjourned Monday session until August 24 when the prosecution is set to present its closing arguments. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
