Trouble in Jerusalem Ahead of Burned Teen's Funeral

Clashes reported between police, protestors
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 4, 2014 7:18 AM CDT
Trouble in Jerusalem Ahead of Burned Teen's Funeral
Palestinian youth climb over Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank village of al Ram to cross towards Jerusalem on Friday, July 4, 2014.   (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)

It's far from quiet in Jerusalem today, where the planned funeral of the Palestinian teen burned beyond recognition in an apparent revenge killing is scheduled to take place. While security was bolstered in and around the city, the AP reports that clashes between Israeli police (who used stun grenades) and hundreds of Palestinian protestors (who threw rocks) have already taken place. An autopsy was reportedly completed on Mohammed Abu Khudair yesterday, and the teen's body was delivered to the family after morning prayers today. Thousands then carried Mohammed's remains through East Jerusalem, reports the BBC; the funeral will be held near the family's home.

Meanwhile, the Guardian reports that video footage exists that shows Mohammed's abduction, at least according to his family. In their view, the footage indicates the kidnapping was random and that the teen had no relationship with the kidnappers. It allegedly shows the boy sitting alone (contrary to prior reports) and indicates the car spotted the figure "by chance" and then returned to watch him. While the date and timestamp sync with the timeline of the crime, the Guardian notes there are no "identifiable features" of those in the video and it could not verify the family's claims. (More Israel stories.)

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