Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 29: Police arrested five suspects after dozens of protesters blocked a light rail route at the intersection of Haim Bar-Lev and Zaks streets in Jerusalem early Tuesday morning.

According to police, some demonstrators threw rocks and other objects at officers at the scene while trains were being moved along the tracks.

Police issued a dispersal order after arriving at the site. When the protesters failed to comply, Jerusalem District officers, Border Police personnel and Yasam special patrol officers moved to disperse the crowd using riot-control measures, including a water cannon and stun grenades.

The five suspects were taken to a police station for questioning.

The protest was among a series of demonstrations by Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, groups in recent months against projects to expand Jerusalem's light rail network.

Separately, police received a report of a violent incident involving several people at a Hilula, which caused a disturbance and raised safety concerns for participants.

Police said their forces remained at the scene to restore order and maintain public safety.