Jerusalem Gay Pride stabbing: Ex-Israeli parliamentarian's son charged after posting support on Facebook for Shira Banki's attacker
Gilad Kleiner, 41, was charged with inciting violence and racism
The son of a former Israeli parliamentarian has been charged with inciting violence after he allegedly praised the attack on Jerusalem’s Gay Pride that killed a 16-year-old participant.
Gilad Kleiner, son of former Likud Knesset member Michael Kleiner, was arrested on Friday after comments were posted on Facebook appearing to celebrate the actions of Yishai Schlissel and expressing regret that he had not managed to hurt more people.
Following his arrest, the 41-year-old was released on Saturday on the provision he did not post any remarks online.
But on Monday the Kiryat Malakhi resident was arrested again after, it is reported, a post appeared apparently celebrating the death of Shira Banki, 16, who died after sustaining wounds in the attack on the Gay Pride Parade. Five other people were injured in the attack.
“In this loss of evil, there is joy,” Mr Kleiner allegedly wrote online, according to Jerusalem Online.
State prosecutors filed an indictment on Thursday in Ashdod Magistrate’s Court for incitement to violence, incitement to racism and violating a house arrest.
The Facebook post, again quoted by Jeruslem Online, continued: “It simply hurt me that Yishai Schlissal, who will now spend many years in prison and who now made me think twice about stabbing and doing something serious, in both instances did not succeed to kill even one of those damn mental deviants.”
The attack on Jerusalem’s Gay Pride has provoked widespread condemnation in Israel, but elements of the ultra-conservative lobby have been less critical of the attack.
Posters praising the attacker have reportedly appeared in ultra-orthodox neighbourhoods in the city, according to the Times of Israel.
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