Israeli forces arrested activist Murad Shtaiwi on April 29, 2014 in the middle of the night accusing him of participating in and arranging Kofur Qadum demonstrations. Salem military court sentenced Shtaiwi from Kofur Qadum village for nine and a half months imprisonment, and a 10 thousands Shekels fine. The military court unjust decision states:
1- nine months and a half of actual jail time
2- 10 thousand shekels nonrefundable fine.
3- A 5-year probation period after he has done his time where he cannot participate in any Kofur Qadum peaceful demonstration or he will face a sentence no less than 12 months in jail.
4- A 3 year probation period after he has done his time where he cannot participate in ANY peaceful demonstration Against Israel anywhere else otherwise he will do no less than 6 months in jail
Shtaiwi is imprisoned in Majedo Military Prison since his arrest in April and has many health problems. His lawyer Adv. Adel Samara stated that Murad has lost over 9 kilos in weight due to harsh and unsuitable holding cells.
In a letter from Murad Shtaiwi sent to the whole world to highlight his situation, he stated the following:
"The accusations that I am charged for are unfair because it is our legal right to protest and participate in demonstrations against the occupation and to struggle for our Self-determination as Palestinians". He added that the peaceful marches in Kofur Qadum will continue even if the occupation suppresses them over and over again.
Since the arrest of Murad, the Israeli army raised its level of brutality in dealing with Kofur Qadum peaceful demonstrations. 15 protestors were shot by live bullets, last week alone recorded two live bullet injuries, a local and an Italian supporter shot in cold blood just for participating in those peaceful demonstrations.
Murad Shtaiwi calls on the International Community and the United Nations to support Kofur Qadum, to open the only street closed for years by Israeli forces, to support the fair quest of a free Palestine and to end the occupation and its settlers. "They fine us so they can pay for more guns and arsenals to kill us with" Murad added. Finally, Murad calls on the people of Kofur Qadum to keep on struggling against occupation and never give up.
Uprooted Palestinian 
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