In Jerusalem, a group of Christians petitions the Israeli government, asking for lighter security police measures during Easter celebrations, which could discourage the faithful from going to church. Police respond by saying that the roadblocks and checkpoints are needed to ensure order.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem, concerned about the security measures Israeli police might take for Easter celebrations, petitioned the government to limit restrictions. In response, Israeli police said that roadblocks and checkpoints in and around the Holy Places are necessary to prevent disasters and maintain order. A court will now decide.

Several East Jerusalem residents filed a petition with the Israeli High Court of Justice asking that the Israeli police drop its heavy movement and security restrictions that could prevent worshipers from accessing holy sites.

The auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Mgr William Shomali, said that every Christian "has the right to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and move without any restrictions".

The fear is that Israeli police checkpoints in and around the old city could discourage the faithful from going to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other sites during the celebrations.

For its part, the government responded by noting that Israel's High Court of Justice has no good reason to take action against the decisions taken by the police.

However, Judge Noam Solberg decided that a panel of three judges should hear the petition this week.

• israel
• palestine
• holy
• week
• security
• measures