The Supreme Court of Justice on Monday ordered the release of International Solidarity Movement activists Spaniard Ariadna Jove Marti and Australian Bridgette Chappell, both arrested by IDF troops in Ramallah. Following their arrests, they were handed over to immigration officials. The two are slated for deportation since their visas are expired.

The state explained their arrests are part of an effort to end weekly violent anti-barrier fence protests involving PA (Palestinian Authority) residents, left-wing Israelis and foreigners, as the two in question, self-proclaimed ‘peace activists’.

The court ruled the arrests exceeded the authority of the immigration agency despite the connection to the weekly protests, citing immigration authority officials cannot operate outside the borders of the State of Israel, excluding Yehuda and Shomron.

The court rejected the request for NIS 25,000 bail, setting the fee at NIS 3,000, but prohibited them from returning to Yehuda and Shomron, informing the foreigners that may now appeal the planned deportation.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)