AFP

OFER MILITARY COURT A COURT on Sunday convicted Palestinian activist Bassem Tamimi of sending people to throw stones and protesting without a permit, but cleared him on two other charges.

“I decided to convict you on two of the charges against you: the charge of sending people to throw stones, and holding a march without a permit,” Judge Eti Ador said at a hearing in Ofer military court near Ramallah.

“I am clearing you of incitement and of perverting the course of justice,” said the judge, who holds the rank of major.

Tamimi was charged with soliciting stone-throwing based on evidence that he actively directed such incidents from the roof-tops, she said.

The sentencing process would begin on May 24, the judge said, ordering him to remain on bail until then.

Tamimi, 45, was arrested on March 24, 2011 and accused of organising illegal demonstrations and incitement in connection with a series of weekly demonstrations in Nabi Saleh village in protest at Jewish settlers taking over their land.

He was released on bail on April 24 this year after his elderly mother suffered a stroke, although he was kept under house arrest in Ramallah.