Breaking the Silence

When entering innocent Palestinian homes doesn’t bother us- it's no surprise that this practice is used in E. J'lem http://goo.gl/7TBX29 

The court delayed the discussion to allow the State Attorney to decide its stance on a number of issues. It will continue on July 18th, 2016

Sfard: "I am asking the Court to defend BtS and thus to defend civil society, which is already shaky, and is watching with great anxiety."

Sfard: "The questions that the court is being asked to answer have enormous implications for democracy and freedom of expression in Israel"

Sfard: "There are addition publications in the media about these events that the State Attorney has not addressed. Why not?"

>>and are not connected to bodily injury or death. This is not the sort of case that justifies revoking journalistic privilege."

Sfard: "1. The cases in question have been carefully selected and are not among the severe cases that took place throughout Protective Edge>

Sfard: "Above this all is the issue of proportionality; which public interests will be damaged by the revocation of journalistic privilege"

Sfard: "BtS gathers and publishes, with great responsibility, information that is of public importance -- this is journalistic work."

Sfard: "Journalism doesn't need a license. The court recognized testimony collection as crucial for public & as journalistic work"

Sfard: "Immense damage stands be done to BtS & to civil society, who will see how legal means are being used to destroy a Human Rights org"

Sfard "The State Attorney is supposed to defend freedom in Israel. But they submitted this request on the heels of a campaign of incitement"

Adv. Sfard: "BtS members are exhausted. Half a year of incitement, the PM and govt Ministers speaking against the org. Political incitement"

Sfard: "This case is about freedom of expression- not only BtS', but that of all soldiers who want to be heard."

Sfard: "Accepting the State Attorney's request would mean ending the project of collecting soldiers' testimonies; silencing the soldiers."

Judge: "Was there a guarantee?" Sfard: "The soldiers were explicitly guaranteed that their testimonies and identities won't be revealed."

Adv Sfard: "for over 11 yrs, BtS has interviewed over 1,100 soldiers & published their testimonies, which sparked crucial public discussion"

The discussion has begun, despite State Attorney's req. to delay. Bc>>the State Attorney rep does not have the authority to reach compromise

Judge: "the question is whether we can no arrive at an agreement." The State Attorney objects. Judge: "So the discussion will move forward"

The State Attorney claims not to be "updated" and requests a delay of the discussion

Judge Danieli to the State Attorney: "your request [to reveal testifiers] is not simple... It's worth trying to reach an interim agreement"

BtS counsel Adv. Michael Sfard: "As soon as I understood that Shai Nitzan is involved in the case, I asked to meet, but he refused."

Now discussing @acrionline's request to join as a side in the case as friend of court. #Scapegoatsoldiers

כרגע דנים בבקשת האגודה לזכויות האזרח @acrionline להצטרף כצד בדיון. #נוהל_שג

Read @haaretzcom editorial this morning about our trial today, where we will defend our right to break the silence>> http://goo.gl/yChfeS 

Once again, we are headed out to fight for our right to break our silence! @haaretzcom http://goo.gl/4tp3tl 

Not one of the decision makers that gave the orders for the operation in Gaza is willing to take responsibility>> http://goo.gl/pjkK4k 

"The State of Israel... will be based on the values of freedom, justice and peace.." Happy Independence Day!

Today we remember the friends we have lost over the years, and the shared pain and bereavement of Israeli and Palestinian families alike.

We too will attend the Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony tonight hosted by @cfpeace and Crack in the wall>> http://goo.gl/CYqXeU 

We invite you to join us and This is Not an Ulpan for an interactive lecture and discussion in "accessible" Hebrew>> https://goo.gl/fZVJuE