The Jerusalem Magistrate Court sentenced two Meah Shearim residents to 180 hours of community service and three months probation after they were convicted of assaulting policemen. The case pertains to an incident in Av 5773 when police were trying to extricate a chareidi soldier being attacked in Meah Shearim. The probation means that if they are found guilty of the same crime in the future they automatically will have to serve a three-month jail term.

The frum soldier was heading into Meah Shearim to visit a family member when he came under attack, being in uniform. Police called on the crowed to disperse, explaining they were congregating illegally, but they did not comply. As police began clearing the residents away, they were attacked with bottles, rocks, pipes and other objects, spitting at them as well. Police chased after some of them, apprehending them. Police report they tried to flee the police car as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)