Huckabee demands prosecution after the attack on Heidi Levine
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called for an investigation, arrests and prosecution after Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was attacked in the occupied West Bank. He said those responsible should spend years in prison. Levine was hurt while covering the Palestinian olive harvest; witnesses identified the attackers as Israeli settlers.
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Huckabee demands a criminal investigation
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Saturday that those who attacked Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine should spend years in prison. He described the assault on an unarmed photographer by masked people as an act of terror.[1], [2]
Huckabee called for a full investigation, arrests and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. His appeal sought criminal proceedings against whoever participated in the assault. The US State Department also condemned criminal violence regardless of the perpetrator.[1]
Levine was covering the olive harvest
The assault occurred on Friday near Abu Falah, a village northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Levine had been covering violence against Palestinians harvesting olives. She and witnesses identified the attackers as Israeli settlers. Witnesses said her photographic equipment and personal belongings were stolen.[1]
Levine said she was kicked while trying to hold onto her cameras and bag. The attackers carried bottles and slingshots. The 64-year-old photographer was taken to hospital in Ramallah; her daughter told the Associated Press news agency that she had injuries to her fingers and back.[1]
Netanyahu disputes the attackers’ identity
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Friday that Palestinians or far-left activists may have been responsible. Journalist Jasper Nathaniel, who witnessed the assault, also gave an account of Levine’s condition. Huckabee had previously heard testimony about settler violence from Palestinian-Americans in Turmus Aya in September.[1]
