Jerusalem’s Gay Pride Parade
Photo: Reuters
Stabbing suspect in custody
Photo: Reuters
‘I acted in God’s name’
Ultra-Orthodox man charged with three counts of attempted murder over Jerusalem gay parade stabbing
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 Schlissel said during his interrogation.
Stabbing Attack
By Doron Sheffer and Efrat Weiss
Religious youngster stabs three Jerusalem parade participants; Magen David Adom says marchers sustain light, medium injuries
On Tuesday, Schlissel was indicted on three counts of attempted murder at the Jerusalem District Court.
According to the indictment, Schlissel 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.
Court forces mayor to hold parade
One victim sustained moderate wounds in the attack while the other two suffered light injuries.
Prosecutors asked that Schlissel 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.
