JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Usama Husein Ash-Shuweiki says he will demolish his own home in the Ath-Thuri neighborhood.
Ash-Shuweiki built the home in 2005 but in 2009 Israeli authorities sentenced him to a 96,000-shekel fine for failing to secure a license. He delayed the demolition three times in court but ultimately failed.
"I admit to building it without a license, but the court has now charged me with failing to implement the demolition order," he told Ma'an on Sunday. "So, I'll have to do it myself before the next court date [Dec. 23] to avoid new fines and imprisonment for three years."
Ash-Shuweiki has rented another house for his wife, two children, and elderly mother.
Palestinians in Jerusalem say it is nearly impossible to secure building permits from the Israeli municipality.
Ash-Shuweiki built the home in 2005 but in 2009 Israeli authorities sentenced him to a 96,000-shekel fine for failing to secure a license. He delayed the demolition three times in court but ultimately failed.
"I admit to building it without a license, but the court has now charged me with failing to implement the demolition order," he told Ma'an on Sunday. "So, I'll have to do it myself before the next court date [Dec. 23] to avoid new fines and imprisonment for three years."
Ash-Shuweiki has rented another house for his wife, two children, and elderly mother.
Palestinians in Jerusalem say it is nearly impossible to secure building permits from the Israeli municipality.