Yitzhar resident Neria Zarog appeared in a Petaḥ Tikva court on Sunday after he refused to sign a restraining order barring him from his home and village.
Zarog, a young father of two, told Judge Erez Melamed that he cannot bring himself to sign an order removing him from his home.
“They are tearing us away from the land because we have no interest in money,” he said. “Not desire and not honor, but only the Land of Israel in its purest, seemingly that bothers people.”
“As soon as I sign on the restraining order, I am agreeing with it. I want to be released but I can’t sign on something I didn’t do.”
In response, the court kept Neria Zarog imprisoned but denied the state prosecutors request to keep him incarcerated for the duration of the case. Zarog can be released as soon as he signs on the restraining preventing him from returning home.
Attorney Nati Rom, who represents Zarog stated that “the court has ordered another hearing for Thursday. My client has stated that he will not sign on this draconian order that removes him from his home, work and children and has no place in a democratic state. We are hoping that this order will be removed and Neria can return home.”
Early last Monday, November 11, the Yitzhar home in which Zarog had barricaded himself since the night before had been entered by Israeli security forces.
Unbeknownst to the cops who proceeded to assault Zarog once they broke through his fortification is that his home was equipped with video cameras that documented their behavior.
The footage taken from the cameras presents a disturbing picture of police violence and were transferred Sunday morning to legal experts who are expected to file complaints and civil suits against the members of the police who arrested Zarog.
In the first video clip publicized on November 11, Neria Zarog is seen chained to a large, bulky device while one policeman twists his arm behind his back as others operate engineering equipment next to him.
At some point, a loud noise is heard and Zarog immediately cries out in pain and calls for help. His leg had been injured by the equipment and he pleads with his captors to stop.
None present provided Zarog with medical aid and, according to eyewitnesses, paramedics summoned to the home were prevented by security forces from entering and treating Zarog’s injuries.
Following Neria Zarog’s “interrogation” at the police station, a photo was taken of the back of his head.
