The trial of Fatah-Tanzim terrorist orchestrator Marwan Barghouti opened today, yet did not make much progress. Arutz-7's Effie Meir reports that it turned into a spectacle, as Barghouti used the stage given him by Israel - the world media covered the story extensively - to rage against the Israeli "conquest" and refuse to recognize the court's right to try him. He even put his hands over his ears as the indictment was read aloud - an indictment charging him with 37 counts of murder, aiding and abetting murder, enlisting others to murder, and more. Barghouti is accused of involvement in the double lynching in Ramallah almost two years ago, an attack in Tel Aviv six months ago in which three people were killed, and generally leading the campaign of terrorism against Israel.
Many relatives of terrorism victims attended today's session. These included Mrs. Ben-Shalom, who lost her son Yaniv, daughter-in-law and the latter's brother in one attack; the mother of Gila Sarah Kessler of Eli, murdered at Jerusalem's French Hill junction; and others. When Barghouti asserted that he was merely fighting for freedom and independence for two states, Judge Sarah Sirota responded, "A fighter for peace doesn't turn children into bombs and kill people."
Many relatives of terrorism victims attended today's session. These included Mrs. Ben-Shalom, who lost her son Yaniv, daughter-in-law and the latter's brother in one attack; the mother of Gila Sarah Kessler of Eli, murdered at Jerusalem's French Hill junction; and others. When Barghouti asserted that he was merely fighting for freedom and independence for two states, Judge Sarah Sirota responded, "A fighter for peace doesn't turn children into bombs and kill people."