Police data revealed this week a dramatic increase in the number of charges filed against Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount's Al-Aqsa compound for violating the rules of the site.
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The number showed that while in 2016, only one such case was recorded, by 2022, the figure increased to 63.
On the other hand, the number of indictments has decreased in recent years. In 2018, nine indictments were filed, while in 2022 only three.
Cases rarely result in indictments as while Jews are not allowed to pray, sing the national anthem, or wave an Israeli flag at the site, these are not actual legal offenses.
Of the 75 cases opened, only four made it to court, with most offenses cited as "hindering a police officer in the course of duty" or "disorderly conduct that disturbs public peace."
The data was published by Beyadenu – Returning to the Temple group, which had submitted a freedom of information request to the police.
Tom Nisani, director of Beyadenu, harshly criticized the police for the spike in the number of charges, accusing them of abusing their power.
He called on law enforcement to "start treating Jews as they treat anyone who ascends the mountain."
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