|
|
NEWS
UTJ Protests Grave Digging Incidents
By Yechiel Sever
Following a rash of incidents this week in which burial caves were dug up, United Torah Judaism discussed the issue during the party's weekly meeting Monday, where members spoke out firmly against excesses by archaeologists and the Antiquities Authority.
Party members said that for over a decade this issue has been included in a special paragraph of the coalition agreement that reads, "At a place where graves or human bones are found, work may only be resumed at the site in accordance with an arrangement to be determined by the government, subject to legal requirements." Party members have witnessed violations of the agreement in recent weeks, though the real estate companies involved are not under the government's direct authority.
The party members have consulted with various officials at government ministries and the Prime Minister's Office, saying they cannot overlook recent developments.
Unlike other events that take place in the country, they said, the police often decide in advance to display restraint to avoid upsetting various segments of the population, whereas in the case of protests against grave desecration, claims of police using brute force are often heard.
|
