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Reproduction photo: Yaron Brener
Taisir Karaki, the victim
Reproduction photo: Yaron Brener
Julien Soufir in court
Photo: Niv Calderon
Mayor Lupoliansky: Family are victims of terror
Photo: Haim Zach

Murder suspect's remand extended by 10 days

Julien Soufir, suspected of killing Arab taxi driver, smiles for photographers at court, but says nothing

The Tel Aviv Magistrates Court on Tuesday extended the remand of a man suspected of murdering a taxi driver in Tel Aviv Monday by 10 days. The man's younger brother was also arrested and his remand was extended by four days.

 

The suspect, Julien Soufir, said nothing during the court hearing. He smiled for the photographers and clapped his hands.

 

The body of 35-year-old Taisir Karaki from Beit Hanina was found in an apartment in south Tel Aviv.

 

The Yarkon police district believe that 25-year-old Julian Soffeir, a new immigrant from France who recently became Orthodox, went out with the intention to kill an Arab taxi driver and when he came upon Karaki, he carried out his plan and cut his throat.

 

According to the details revealed in court Tuesday, Soufir took a taxi from Jerusalem to Netanya, where he picked up the murder weapon, a knife. He then continued in the same taxi to Tel Aviv, where he offered the victim to use his bathroom. As they entered the house, he pulled out the knife and stabbed Karaki to death.

 

Soufir was also arrested a couple of months ago for domestic violence and was sent to have a psychiatric evaluation. The suspect's attorney, Yehuda Fried, said in court: "We spoke with the suspect yesterday (Monday) and reached the conclusion that he cannot differentiate between good and bad. He talks of fears.

 

"The suspect himself revealed that he had been sent for psychiatric evaluation for another case some months ago. We are concerned about his situation. He looked happy even as he was entering the court house," he explained.


Julien Soufir at court hearing (Photo: Niv Calderon)

 

Yonatan, Soufir's brother, told the court, "I have a lot of respect for the court. He explained that he was with his girlfriend and arrived after the murder had been committed.

 

"My parents are coming from France and I have to explain this all to them… I hope the court releases me so that I can meet with my father. I will be at your service whenever you need me in Netanya, where I live, or in Tel Aviv," he pleaded.

 

Arrested wandering the streets

The suspect was arrested coincidentally after police officers noticed him and his brother walking in the middle of the road. During their questioning he told them that he had murdered a man.

 

Justice Muki Landman wrote in his judgment that the investigation material indicated that the suspect suffered from a mental illness. "Under these circumstances, and due to the fact that in the best interest of the investigation and reaching the truth it is imperative that his mental condition be evaluated."

 

Regarding the brother he wrote: "There is no evidence that links him to the murderer, but there is definitely need to assess his involvement due to his actions after the murder and his initial reaction during his arrest.

 

Karaki had five children between the ages of 12 and three. His brother said: "His wife and children do not understand where he has gone. They only have Allah to help them and he will be by their side. I don't know what we'll do."

 

Arab MKs were angry when they heard that the taxi driver was killed for nationalistic motives.

 

MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List) said, "The rising hatred and racism are breading grounds for hate crimes. The courts will probably find extenuating circumstances for this heinous crime," he added

 

MK Said Napa (Balad), who recently took Azmi Bishara's place as MK said the "demonization and incitement against the Arab public give this kind of act its legitimization. It was only a matter of time until words turned into actions."

 

Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski said that the State must recognize the family as victims of terrorism. He also instructed the city's welfare department to contact the family and offer them assistance.

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.15.07, 15:10
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