The Tel Aviv District Court began hearing Sunday morning the closing arguments in the trial of former Tanzim head Marwan Barghouti. The trial opened nearly a year ago.
The prosecution claimed that Barghouti spoke to Shin Bet (Security Services) agents in his prison cell, providing them with details on the charges against him, as well as
expressing his anger with his deputies who testified against him.
Israel has charged Barghouti with 26 counts of "murder" for his alleged role in attacks against Israelis.
Prosecutor Devora Chen claimed that Barghouti led the uprising in the West Bank and headed a "terror organization". In addition, Chen accused Barghouti of turning the courtroom into his own personal playground.
Barghouti, a Palestinian legislator, refuses to conduct a formal defense because he does not recognize the Israeli court's right to try him.
On Sunday, the former West Bank Fatah chief said in court that the allegations against him are all lies and that he is an elected leader and a freedom fighter.
Barghouti did not present his closing arguments on Sunday, and is expected to request a special court sitting at a later date, before the court passes down its judgment, to present his statement. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
