Israel’s arrest of two Palestinian bookshop owners in occupied East Jerusalem has sparked outrage among cultural and diplomatic communities. Mahmoud Muna and his nephew, Ahmad, have been detained on charges of disrupting public order after a police raid on their stores. The men specialize in books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle Eastern history, and culture.
Police claim to have confiscated books with titles containing “incitement” or support for terrorism, including recent releases on Gaza and works by artist Banksy. However, supporters say this is an assault on Palestinian cultural institutions and freedom of speech. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nathan Thrall condemned the action as part of a policy to suppress Palestinian nationalism.
The arrest has raised concerns about the impact on minority rights and freedoms in East Jerusalem. Despite growing calls for release, some diplomats have attended court hearings, including those from European consulates. The case highlights tensions between Israel’s efforts to maintain control over occupied territories and the right to free expression.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4znw1ex1eo