Israel releases Palestinian protest leader

JERUSALEM - The Associated Press

AFP photo

Activists say an Israeli military court has ordered the release of a prominent Palestinian protest leader.
The European Union and rights group Amnesty International had condemned the detention of Bassem al-Tamimi because he was charged based on evidence obtained through confessions extracted by interrogating children.

Activist Jonathan Pollak says Al-Tamimi was freed late Tuesday evening. He had been held since March 2011 on charges of inciting youths to throw rocks at Israeli soldiers and organizing demonstrations against Israeli activities in the West Bank.

Pollak, citing court papers, says he was released on bail after his mother fell ill. A verdict in his trial is still expected in May.