Jerusalem municipality demolishes houses in Silwan
In 2005, the Jerusalem municipality issued demolition orders for most homes in the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan, East Jerusalem. This week, it demolished homes in the neighborhood, despite the mayors’ past promise to allow the residents to present a plan reflecting the area's development needs.

Policeman who killed Palestinian in Tel Aviv sentenced to one year in jail
On 4 Oct. '08, Border Police officer Tomer Avraham killed Iyad Abu-Ra'iyeh, who was found in Tel Aviv without a permit, after severely beating him. Tel Aviv District Court judge Oded Mudrik sentenced Avraham to one year imprisonment for manslaughter, referring to the crime as "a hapless, lethal act incidental to military or police activity."

Testimony: House demolition and police brutality in East Jerusalem
Israel's discriminatory policy in East Jerusalem extends to many aspects of life, including planning and building. On 28 July '08, the municipality demolished a residential building in the Beit-Hanina neighborhood, claiming part of it was built without a permit. During the eviction, Police officers attacked a resident.

Testimony: Policeman abuses Palestinian during interrogation
On 30 Sept. '08, police arrested Shadi Sabatin and his Israeli employer. An interrogator then severely beat him, trying to force him to confess he worked in Jerusalem without a permit. Sabatin's employer, who heard his cries in the interrogation room, placed a complaint with the Department for Police investigations.

Army extends administrative detention of two minors
On 2 November, a military court of appeals denied the appeal of Salwa Salah and Sareh a-Siuri to overturn renewal of the administrative detention orders issued against them. B'Tselem calls on the army to release the two girls immediately or, if it has evidence against them, to prosecute them as provided by law.

Testimony: Settlers attack olive pickers
On 20 November '08, Kafa Shtiwi from Kadum was attacked by settlers as she approached her olive grove with international activists. According to her testimony, the settlers kicked and cursed them, and threatened to vandalize their vehicle.

JAG to the High Court: Stiffer charges won't be filed in shooting case in Ni'lin
Despite the harsh criticism voiced earlier by the High Court justices, the judge advocate general sticks to his position that the charge of unbecoming conduct is suitable for a case in which a bound and blindfolded Palestinian was abused and shot.