‘I acted in God’s name’

Ultra-Orthodox man charged with three counts of attempted murder over Jerusalem gay parade stabbing
By Tal Rosner

JERUSALEM – An ultra-Orthodox man suspected of stabbing three people during Jerusalem’s Gay Pride Parade last week says he acted in God’s name.

“I came to murder on behalf of God. We can’t have such abomination in the country,” Yishai Shlisel said during his interrogation.

On Tuesday, Shlisel was indicted on three counts of attempted murder at the Jerusalem District Court.

According to the indictment, Shlisel purchased an 18-centimeter (approximately 7 inches) knife in preparation for the attack. During the parade, he stabbed three people, two 18-year-olds and one 50-year-old man.

One victim sustained moderate wounds in the attack while the other two suffered light injuries.

Prosecutors asked that Shlisel be kept in custody until the end of legal proceedings against him because he constitute a danger to the public.

Thousands of participants took part in the parade last Thursday, after the court ordered Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski to allow the event to go ahead, despite his staunch objection.

Violence ensued after about 100 ultra-Orthodox youngsters attempted to break through the police escort while yelling out “gay is shame.” Police officers attempted to disperse the crowd, but one man managed to break through and stabbed the three participants.

Previous

Next