Margarita Lautin. Killed in July Reproduction: Avi Cohen
Rudy Juliani. Fought crime in NY Photo: Reuters
MK Pines: We need a few Rudy Giulianis
Alexander Lautin, whose wife was killed when caught in crossfire between criminals, criticizes police inefficiency during Knesset debate; MK responds by calling on government to prioritize battle against surge in organized crime
The recent surge in organized crime was discussed by the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee on Monday, a debate summoned by Alexander Lautin, whose wife Margarita was killed on a Bat Yam beach in a botched underworld assassination attempt.
The incident took place in July, when two assassins fired at a reputed criminal but hit 31-year old Margarita Lautin instead, who was visiting the beach with her husband and their two sons.
Murder on Beach
State files indictments in Margarita Lautin murder case / Vered Luvitch
Tel Aviv District Prosecutor charges Ronen Ben Adi, Shimon Sabah with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, ask they be remanded
Alexander Lautin participated in the Knesset debate, where he claimed the police's explanation of the case had left him with a lot of unanswered questions. "How is it that the police officers on the scene could not prevent the murder?" he asked. "Why wasn't the beach closed, when we were the only family there?"
Deputy Inspector General Dudu Mantzur explained that officers were present at the beach "only in order identify people with the potential to commit a crime. The law needs to be changed to allow us, in these situations, to prevent people from sitting wherever they like."
But Lautin interrupted Mantzur and said, "My wife was murdered while an officer was standing between us and the murderer, who was supposed to protect us with his life."
MK Ophir Pines argued that the issue should be prioritized by the government. "If Israel values the safety of its citizens the next prime minister should initiate a nationwide program that would consider this battle its first priority."
He added that the State "needs a couple of Rudy Giulianis in order to conduct this endless war with zero tolerance and zero legitimacy for these people." He also called on the Ministry of Justice to produce more bills and legal procedures dealing with the issue.
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