Ma'an Jerusalem – Israeli military forces detained two Palestinian Legislative Council candidates in Jerusalem Monday. The candidates were placing elections posters in the Palestinian city of East Jerusalem. As has been the case during past elections, the Israeli government is trying to prevent Jerusalemite participation in the Palestinian democratic process by arresting candidates and closing registration offices.
On Tuesday morning the Israeli military released the candidates. PLC campaigning is allowed to begin Tuesday, per Palestinian Elections Law. The Israeli government has said it is forbidden for Jerusalem to run candidates or to vote.
Ma'an's area correspondent reported that Metri Nassrawi and his brother Mouris Nassrawi, were released early Tuesday morning after being arrested Monday night. The Israeli military held them in the Masqobia Interrogation Center in the city overnight.
Israeli officials reportedly threatened Nassrawi from campaigning as Israel did not decide to let Jerusalem residents participate in the elections.