On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Magistrate Court in Akka ruled to release two community leaders, Sheikh Saleh Lutfi and Hajj Adnan Barghoul from Umm al-Fahm, placing them under house arrest for one week. The prosecution did not file an appeal against the decision after requesting additional time to consider the possibility of an appeal.

Lutfi and Barghoul were arrested early on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, on charges related to their involvement in community mediation and reform activities.

Attorney Omar Khamaisi, Director of the “Mizan” organization, which is following the case, described the court’s decision as “bold and professional,” condemning the police’s request to extend the detention. He stated, “The police had asked for an extension of the detention for eight days. However, we, the defense, refuted the ten charges against them, explaining that these accusations are baseless and without foundation.” As a result, the judge issued a detailed ruling on the reasons for releasing Sheikh Saleh and Hajj Adnan, ordering their release on the condition of house arrest for one week, posting a personal guarantee, a third-party guarantee, and a deposit of 10,000 shekels.

Khamaisi further criticized the police’s request to freeze the release decision to study the possibility of an appeal.

In his closing remarks, Khamaisi expressed hope that Sheikh Saleh and Hajj Adnan would be released soon, allowing them to return to their vital work in community mediation, especially given the growing violence and crime in the Arab community.

Meanwhile, a number of activists attended the court session in solidarity with the two community leaders, calling for their immediate release. They also demanded that authorities focus on prosecuting criminals and perpetrators of violence, rather than targeting community reformers and respected figures in society.