Akko riots: Arabs slam police conduct

Akko police commander dismisses criticism, says police officers prevented bloodhsed

Ahiya Raved|Published: 10.09.08 , 20:48

Arab leaders told Ynet Thursday that the police's conduct during the Yom Kippur riots in Akko was negligent. Meanwhile, the city police commander dismissed residents' complaints, saying that police officers responded well and prevented bloodshed.

The riots broke out after an Arab motorist entered a Jewish neighborhood on Yom Kippur. Infuriated Jewish residents stoned the vehicle. Later, rumors that the driver was killed prompted hundreds of Arab residents to head to Jewish neighborhoods, with clashes quickly ensuing.

Earlier Thursday, police officials met with Arab leaders at the police station in Akko in an effort to end the riots. During the meeting, Arab community leaders reportedly expressed their willingness to calm tensions and suppress the radical elements that may wish to continue the riots.

Knesset Member Abas Zkoor, who also took part in the meeting, later told Ynet: "The police officers present at the meeting did not say it out loud, but it was understood that they too know they acted negligently."

During the meeting, Arab dignitaries promised police that they will do everything to contain the riots, but asked that police units be instructed to treat Arab residents with respect.

"It's important for them to understand this – we are not enemies, and Akko is not Gaza," he said.

MK Zkoor also slammed Akko's police commander for not dispatching forces to friction points before the riots broke out.

"Why did the police only dispatch a few cops when Jewish residents were rioting, but once hundreds of Arab residents of the old city arrived, the police sent special units and many police officers?" he said. "I didn't get clear answers. I felt that the police commander also realizes that they acted unprofessionally and did not have enough force to deal with this early on."

However, Akko Police Commander Avi Edri dismissed the criticism. Information gathered so far indicates that police acted quickly and efficiently, thereby preventing bloodshed, he said.

"The police officers created a buffer between the sides and prevented them from making contact," he said. "Later, we wisely used crowd dispersal means such as smoke and stun grenades, which helped calm the tensions."

By Thursday night, about 150 police officers were deployed in the city. Many police cruises and mounted police could be seen across town. The forces were deployed there for fear of renewed riots.

"We know that there are Jewish intentions to carry out revenge acts, yet we are not talking about an organized group," a police source said.

Meanwhile, police asked the Arab driver who sparked the riots and his family not to return to their home.