Skip to main content

Justice Minister: Stronger Penalties for Rock Throwers

CBN

Share This article

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked wants stiffer punishment for rock throwers regardless of their intent, especially for those targeting police officers.

The legislation is similar to an amendment submitted by former Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, which would impose maximum sentences of 10 to 20 years for targeting vehicles with the intent to harm or kill passengers.

Rocks thrown by residents of east Jerusalem neighborhoods have caused extensive damage to the city's Light Rail, as well as to buses and private vehicles. The new legislation would substantially increase the penalties for endangering the lives of passengers or others in the vicinity.

Shaked said current laws, which distinguish between rioters throwing rocks "randomly" from someone trying to seriously injure or kill others, don't provide sufficient punishment.

The majority of rock throwers are minors, who if convicted, may serve up to a three-month jail sentence.

Rocks can cause serious damage, injury, and even death.

Share This article