Take a careful look at this statement issued by the European Union.

The EU doesn´t deny that Bassem Tamimi engaged in soliciting protesters to throw stones.

And the EU doesn´t take a stand against stone throwing.

Question: Does the EU consider stone throwing to fall within the classification of "non-violent protest"?]

EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 22 May 2012
A 233/12
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraf f/130332.pdf

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the case of Bassem Tamimi

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative is very concerned by the conviction of Bassem Tamimi in an Israeli military court on 20 May 2012 on charges of taking part in illegal demonstrations and of soliciting protesters to throw stones.

The EU considers Bassem Tamimi to be a ´human rights defender´ committed to non-violent protest against the expansion of an Israeli settlement on lands belonging to his West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. The EU attended all court hearings in his case and is concerned at the use of evidence based on the testimony of a minor who was interrogated in violation of his rights.

The EU believes that everyone should be able to exercise their legitimate right to protest in a non- violent manner."

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80
Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70
Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98
Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu
www.eeas.europa.eu