A protestor in support of Palestine has faced charges under a new law prohibiting face masks in public in a suburban area near New York City. The 26-year-old resident from North Bellmore was arrested during a demonstration outside an orthodox synagogue. Police mentioned he was concealing his face with a keffiyeh, a symbol commonly linked with backing Palestinian causes. When asked if he had a medical or religious reason for wearing the keffiyeh, which are exceptions to the law, he confirmed it was for solidarity with Palestinians, leading to his arrest and subsequent release with a court appearance notice scheduled for October 2nd.
Videos of the incident have circulated on social media, showing the man being led away in handcuffs while continuing to chant pro-Palestinian slogans. Requests for comments from the man went unanswered, as he is currently seeking legal advice. Activists believe the arrest was aimed at intimidating known activists in the Pro-Palestinian movement on Long Island. The arrest has stirred controversy, with supporters denouncing it as an attempt to suppress free speech rights.
The arrest is the third under the Mask Transparency Act, a law enacted in response to rising antisemitic incidents amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The legislation, which carries penalties of up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, prohibits wearing face coverings to conceal identity in public, with exceptions for health, safety, religious, or cultural purposes. However, the law has faced criticism, with a disability rights group challenging its constitutionality and alleging discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The controversy surrounding the law has sparked debates over individual rights and public safety concerns.