Two demonstrators were arrested in Jerusalem on Sunday night as the social justice protests took a violent turn a day after 87 were arrested in Tel Aviv. Around 200 protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Residence at 8 p.m. as a response to the Saturday night protest in Tel Aviv, and then marched through downtown Jerusalem to Zion Square. Among the protesters: dozens of Hadash and Communist Party of Israel activists.

The protesters did not have a permit to gather outside the residence or to hold a march. Demonstrator said the lack of permit was intentional, because permits have been difficult to obtain since the Jerusalem Light Rail began operating on Jaffa Road.

Protesters seen in court on June 24, 2012, in Tel Aviv. More than 97 have been arrested during the previous day’s demonstrations for social justice. The police has announced that it will seek to press charges for as many as possible of the arrested protesters. (Photo: Activestills)

Demonstrators forced their way through the police line and onto the Light Rail tracks, blocking an oncoming train. During the melee that ensued two demonstrators were arrested. In Haifa, about 150 people demonstrated against the police violence. They called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau to resign.

Also on Sunday, police filed indictments against 14 people who took part in Saturday night’s violent protest in Tel Aviv. The demonstrators were charged with disturbing the peace and rioting. During a hearing held in the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court, police asked to extend the remand of the protesters for the duration of the legal proceedings.  “Freedom of expression and the right to protest are basic rights, and we must not infringe upon them,” said Judge Tzachi Uziel, who denied the police’s request and released the detainees.

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