MK Zoabi at the protest
Photo: Hassan Shaalan
MK Zoabi blames police for violence against women in Arab sector
Dozens protest killings of women in Umm al-Fahm following murder of 29-year-old; Zoabi: Police close murder cases in Arab sector without cause
Dozens protested the rates of homicide of women in the Arab sector on Friday, outside the entrance to Umm al-Fahm. This followed the killing of Muna Mahjana, 29, who was shot to death on Sunday in the city.
Knesset Member Hanin Zoabi, present at the protest, said, "The police have all means and the will to fight crime in the Jewish sector, but find it difficult to do the same in the Arab sector."
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On Thursday, Mahjana's brother, who was suspected in the murder, was released. Further suspects have yet to be arrested.
The protest (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)
The demonstrators held up signs reading, "No more murder of women" and "the criminals must be punished."
Knesset Members Hanin Zoabi, Jamal Zahalka (Balad ) and Afu Agbaria (Hadash ) participated in the protest.
"A society which respects itself does not accept this crime, and does not stay silent," Zoabi said.
"This is part of our struggle over the shape of society. We believe in gender equality," she added.
"We blame the police," Zoabi accused. "Without their deterrence we cannot fight the phenomenon. Dozens of homicide cases involving women were closed, despite the existence of evidence, and the reason was never explained."
A senior police official responded to Zoabi's criticism stressing, "The percent of solved murder cases in the Arab sector is higher than that of other sectors."
Daad Majahna, an Umm al-Fahm resident, shared Zoabi's opinions, adding, "Every one of us could be the next victim. Female homicide is more shocking because the woman comes from the weakest sector in the State."
Following Mahjana's brother's release and a lack of additional arrests, a demonstrator said, "This is another murder case in which the suspect was released and no one knows who the murderer is."
Another demonstrator, a personal acquaintance of the victim, said, "She was very serious and diligent, and couldn't hurt a fly.
"The police must retaliate against criminals who think women's blood is cheap."
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