Top cops rapped over Israel Gay Pride murder

Six senior Israeli policemen are to be removed from their posts over the murder of a young marcher in a Jerusalem Gay Pride parade by a known violent homophobe, police said Sunday.

An internal inquiry into the July attack singled out an intelligence breakdown which failed to track the alleged killer, released from prison only three weeks before after having served a 10-year sentence for a similar attack.

"The murder suspect -- whose background and details and the fact that he had lately been freed from prison for a stabbing incident at a previous pride march were known -- was able to reach the area of the march and penetrate the layers of security set up to protect participants," a police statement said.

It said acting national police chief Bentzi Sau, acting on the report, ordered that the Jerusalem district head of police intelligence be removed from his post and denied promotion for seven years.

Another senior intelligence officer was similarly sanctioned and he will not be eligible for promotion for five years.

Four other Jerusalem commanders were ordered out of their posts, while likewise retaining their ranks, and others received written reprimands.

The ultra-Orthodox man charged with stabbing to death 16-year-old marcher Shira Banki and wounding five others lashed out against homosexuality in a court appearance last month.

"The pride parade must be stopped in order for the soul of Shira Banki to ascend to heaven," Yishai Shlissel, 39 and with a long beard, told the court in Jerusalem.

"If you care for her wellbeing... you must stop cursing against God. The parade marchers are bringing great harm upon the nation of Israel."
Source: AFP