JERUSALEM, Feb 15: A Jerusalem court on Thursday extended a ban, prohibiting the head of Israel’s Islamic Movement from approaching Jerusalem’s Old City for two months, amid Muslim protests near the holy sites.

The court found Sheikh Raed Salah guilty of participating in an illegal demonstration against controversial Israeli work near Jerusalem’s holy Al-Aqsa mosque compound and of assaulting a police officer, a legal source said.

In punishment, an initial 10-day ban on coming within 150 metres of the Old City walls was extended by another 60.

He first appeared before the court on Feb 7 after being arrested during protests against the construction work, since stalled, and archaeological excavations.—AFP