Prosecutors in Jerusalem, Israel, Indict 19-Year-Old for Alleged Spitting at Church Door

The Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office has filed an indictment against Antman, a 19-year-old resident of Izhar, over an alleged act at the Prison of Christ Church in Jerusalem’s Old City. Both reports say the indictment concerns spitting at a church door.

According to the indictment as reported, Antman spat at the door of the church during a gathering at the site. Both reports describe him as present as part of a group, and one describes the group as holding a series of gates in the Old City. The reports do not describe any injury or damage resulting from the act.

The indictment attributes the alleged act to Antman’s hatred of Christians and Arabs, according to both reports. Neither report states that Antman has entered a plea or responded to the charges, and the indictment’s allegations have not been tested in court.

The reports differ on the legal classification of the offense. One report states that the indictment charges Antman with the criminal offense of insulting religion. The other states that the indictment classifies the offense as a violation of religious respect. Both reports agree that the case was brought by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office.

The second report also places the incident amid heightened tensions and public demonstrations in Jerusalem. The first report describes the act as occurring during a gathering at the site. The reports do not give a date for the incident or the filing of the indictment.