Channels

Crime scene in Lod
Photo: Avi Moalem
Zoabi. 'It's the minister's responsibility'
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Aharonovitch. 'Change in culture, education needed'
Photo: Gil Yohanan

MK Zoabi slams minister over 'cultural superiority'

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch says prevention of honor killings is achieved through change in culture, sparks outrage of Balad Knesset member

Increased enforcement will not prevent family honor killings, Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said Wednesday, referring to the recent crime wave in Lod. "Preventing murder, particularly honor killings, can be achieved by introducing changes to culture and education, legal deterrence, welfare services and improving infrastructure," Aharonovitch said.

 

Following the murder of a mother of five Tuesday, the minister ordered mass  police deployment in Lod and called a recall of citizens' weapons. Earlier this month, Border Guard and special police forces were deployed in the area following two previous murder cases.

 

The minister's statement sparked the outrage of Knesset Member Hanin Zoabi (Balad). "What Aharonovitch is doing is the opposite of taking responsibility. Instead of declaring war on crime which is rising in the Arab sector over police obsequiousness, he is publically renouncing his personal responsibility.

 

"Does culture in the Jewish sector prevent crime? Does American culture prevent crime in New York? This is not just the police's abandonment of citizens' lives, but a cultural superiority which can only be pitied. What education and infrastructure does the minister speak of? Thes also are under the government's responsibility."

 

The MK stated it was the police's obligation to apprehend criminals, collect weapons, and enforce order and security, with punishment serving as the main crime deterrent.

 

"If the designated minister cannot do it, let him quit. Nevertheless, it is the Arab society's human and civilian duty to cooperate with the police on these matters. One cannot ignore the system of silencing norms and values which legitimize this heinous crime. Education on values, women's status, equality between the sexes is a moral duty of the first order, regardless of these crimes."

 

Sharon Roffe-Ofir contributed to this report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.20.10, 16:20
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment