Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesters flood Jerusalem, 25 detained
Bar Ilan junction was blocked for traffic.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFProtest at Bar Ilan junction in Jerusalem(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Approximately 4,000 ultra-Orthodox protesters convened at the Bar Ilan junction in Jerusalem on Monday evening, to protest plans to extend the capital's light rail route through ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.At least 25 protesters were detained for questioning on suspicion of disorderly conduct as protesters confronted local police, shouting insults at them. According to Israel Police, a pocket knife, a club and a pepper spray canister were seized from one of the detained protesters.Bar Ilan junction was later blocked to traffic.The light rail's green line is expected to go through Bar Ilan Street, which some residents fear may harm the bus services in the area and bring "immodest behavior" to the Orthodox neighborhood, Ynet reported.Various civil projects, including the light rail, have benefited from expedited infrastructure work around the city, taking advantage of the fact that traffic has been reduced during coronavirus lockdowns.
