Christians ask for less police checkpoints in Jerusalem for Easter
April 11, 2014 - Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem, concerned about the security
measures Israeli police might take for Easter celebrations, petitioned the government
to limit restrictions. In response, Israeli police said that roadblocks and checkpoints
in and around the Holy Places are necessary to prevent disasters and maintain order.
Several East Jerusalem residents filed a petition with the Israeli High Court of Justice
asking that the Israeli police drop its heavy movement and security restrictions that
could prevent worshipers from accessing holy sites. Bishop William Shomali , auxiliary
of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said that every Christian "has the right to
pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and move without any restrictions". The
fear is that Israeli police checkpoints in and around the old city could discourage
the faithful from going to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other sites during
the celebrations. For its part, the government responded by noting that Israel's
High Court of Justice has no good reason to take action against the decisions taken
by the police. However, Judge Noam Solberg decided that a panel of three judges should
hear the petition this week. (Source: AsiaNews)