Israeli soldiers arrest the leader of non-violent protests against Israel’s segregation wall in the West Bank.

Friends of the 38-year-old Abdullah Abu Rahmeh say that Israeli soldiers broke into his home on Thursday night and arrested him.

They said the sole reason for his arrest was part of the Israeli plan to crush the anti-apartheid non-violent movement and also stop rallies being conducted every week for the last five years.

Since 2005, demonstrators led by Abu Rahmeh have marched every Friday from the village of Bilin to the wall that slices off 60 percent of the village land.

Bilin has become a symbol of opposition to what is commonly referred to as the apartheid wall. Since June, 31 Bilin protesters have been arrested.

The acts of protest by Bilin citizens, have even won praise from Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu and support among Israeli peace activists.

Israeli soldiers have fired tear gas, stun grenades, rubber-coated bullets and occasionally live rounds at the non-violent protests.

(Press TV)