Rabbi Amram Blau and Rabbi Arieh Katznelbogen, leaders of the ultra-Orthodox sect Neturei Karta, were arrested here today by Israel police charged with causing a public riot which resulted in two Jewish policemen and two Neturei Karta members sustaining injuries.
The arrests followed demonstrations in the Mea Shearim quarter of Jerusalem conducted by the Neturei Karta followers in protest against the Succoth pilgirmmage to Mt. Zion and the folk festivities arranged by the Ministry of Religion and the Jerusalem municipality.
The demonstrations followed a national conference of the Neturei Karta which concluded last night after resolving to fight “to the last.” Early today, the ultra-Orthodox sectarians attempted to approach the City Garden here where couples were dancing, but were met by club-wielding police who charged into the crowd, injuring several members of the Neturei Karta. The organization’s members, however, stoned several policemen and reinforcements were called up. A street battle between the Neturei Karta members and the police ensued before the former were dispersed.
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