Israeli troops detain three brothers in Ni’lin

Monday September 22, 2008 20:59 by George Rishmawi - IMEMC & Agencies

Three brothers from the Ni'lin were taken prisoner early this morning when Israeli forces invaded the village at 1am.

Israeli police attempt to detain protestors in Ni'lin (Photo: Active Stills)

Sufiyan, 19, Sadam, 21 and Nafar Nafar, 31 were kidnapped from their homes before Israeli forces left the village at 3am and were taken to an undisclosed location.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 70 soldiers and border police entered the village on foot from the surrounding hills, backed by at least 6 military vehicles. Soldiers fired a number gas bombs and concussion grenades in the village causing panic, especially among children.

International solidarity activists in the area were out in the village attempting to reach the home of a member of the village's Popular Committee because they have been repeatedly targeted by the Israeli army and police, who attempt to kidnap them.

According to an International Solidarity Movement report, Israeli soldiers declared the area a closed military zone. When asked, however, they failed to provide relevant documents. Instead, they held guns to the members' heads and threatened to shoot.

The villagers of Ni’lin have been organizing frequent nonviolent actions against the wall being built on their land, following in the footsteps of their neighboring village, Bil’in. Two young men were killed in Nil’in two months ago by Israeli troops during demonstrations that involved demonstrators throwing stones.

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