Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, a member of the ministerial committee evaluating just how Israel may curtail privileges for imprisoned terrorists, told the media on Thursday that while the government is compelled to adhere to the law and uphold the rights of prisoners, even terrorists, he does not see why anything above this must be done to facilitate the stay of terrorists in prison.

Sheetrit pointed out that he does not see any reason why terrorists must continue receiving cable television, daily newspapers and other perks, such as permitting receipt of up to NIS 500 for canteen allowance monthly.

Many who favor curtailing privileges for terrorists have been yelling for months, stating this might pressure Hamas into talking a deal and at the very worst, the terrorists do not deserve anything anyway and the funds spent for this could be put to better use elsewhere.

An ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel) attorney does not agree, explaining the terrorists are not “criminals but freedom fighters” and as such, are entitled to better conditions. They are fighting to “end the occupation” and therefore, they must be given suitable conditions as per international law and accepted policies.

The ministerial committee is expected to make its recommendations to the cabinet at Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)