Ofer - Detention until conclusion of proceedings, Knives

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Observers: 
Vivi Sury, Nitza Aminov (reporting)
Aug-29-2016
|
Morning

Translation: Marganit W.

Whenever I report on Palestinian women who wield knives at the checkpoints I am conflicted: on the one hand, it is important to inveigh against the patriarchy and the occupation that dominate their lives, but on the other, I am loath to expose their private lives in public.

Here is the story of Gadir Al-atrash (see earlier report from 17.8.16)

Gadir is married to an abusive husband – something acknowledged by the prosecution, the defense and the judge.

In the remand extension hearing, before Justice Lieut. Col. Shmuel Kedar, the prosecutor described the incident where Gadir showed up at the Pharmacy Checkpoint at the Cave of the Patriarchs with a knife. No doubt Gadir said wild things and there is a video recording the incident. But the prosecutor is not interested in what caused her to behave in this manner.

Atty. Nasser Nubani cited her mental state and requested that she undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Gadir’s mother asked to address the court. She was in court with her daughter. The judge allowed it.

The mother told the court that Gadir has three daughters, 5, 3 and 7 months. She described her daughter’s harsh life at the hands of her abusive husband. I will not repeat what the mother said, nor the stories of Gadir’s sister told me.

Here is what the judge said in his decision:

“The defendant’s mother presented a difficult and complicated story. Based on what I heard in court, I am convinced that the defendant should be evaluated by a psychiatrist and her mental state assessed… This will affect the penalty if she is convicted."

An examination was ordered within 3 weeks, and remand was extended until the end of proceedings.

Next hearing: 7.11.16.

Again, I hope that in the next hearing of this case, the judges will understand Gadir’s harsh life, her helplessness and hopelessness, and pay less attention to the incident with the knife.