Channels

Photo: Reuters
Did police use too much force?
Photo: Reuters

Katsav: Police explanations needed

President Moshe Katsav condemns violence against police officers during evacuation of Amona, but says police also required to provide explanations regarding use of force during violent clashes

President Moshe Katsav condemned violence against security forces during the evacuation of the West Bank outpost of Amona, but added "the Israel Police also needs to provide an explanation for the use of horses and clubs."

 

Katsav made the comments in a meeting with Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz and also joined earlier calls to launch an inquiry into the severe clashes, which left more than 200 people injured.

 

"I'm still under the difficult impression left by the images of the evacuation in Amona," Katsav said. "Yesterday, red lines were crossed. Settler leaders must not remain silent."

 

Meanwhile, the Police Investigations Unit is bracing for complaints of police violence against settlers during the evacuation. Senior State Prosecutor's Office officials said that if evidence against violent police officers emerges, they will be treated severely.

 

Regarding the demand for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into clashes, a Justice Ministry spokesman told Ynet "we're talking about a procedure that requires a decision by politicians, and therefore we can not meet the demand only through an administrative decision by enforcement agencies."

 

However, the Likud, among other elements, has also called for an inquiry into the violence in Amona. Likud MK Gilad Erdan said "yesterday's violence incidents constitute another failure in the series of failure by (Acting Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert. His screw-up raises tough, incisive questions regarding his considerations and willingness to reach a compromise, as well as regarding the utilization of security forces for his political benefit."

 

Six settlers indicted

 

Meanwhile, six settlers arrested before the clearance of buildings in Amona were indicted Thursday.

 

The six suspects, including a minor, were released on restraining conditions. Police are also seeking to extend the custody of 13 settlers arrested during clashes in Amona for causing disturbances during the evacuation of the outpost. The suspects will be brought before the Jerusalem District Court.

 

A senior source in the State Prosecutor's Office told Ynet "our policy is the same as what we employed during the disengagement – zero tolerance for violent acts."

 

"Its clear according to footage and the injuries that violent resistance too place, on a level higher than that seen in the entire disengagement, and therefore we are well within our zero tolerance policy," said a source.

 

Dozens of settlers were arrested during the clashes. The State Prosecutor intends to extend their custody and charge the suspects as soon as possible. The police have been ordered to collect as many eye witness testimonies as possible in order to bring people to trial, and video footage from Amona is being analyzed in order to try and identify people who have not yet been arrested.

 

Tal Rosner and Ilan Marciano also contributed to the story

 


פרסום ראשון: 02.02.06, 12:13
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment