Yishai Schlissel is escorted by police after his hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court on August 11, 2015. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)
JERUSALEM (JTA) — The haredi Orthodox man who stabbed six marchers at the Jerusalem gay pride parade, leaving a 16-year-old girl dead, was charged with murder.
Yishai Schlissel, 39, was indicted Monday in Jerusalem District Court on one count of premeditated murder in the death of Shira Banki, six counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Schlissel in a statement to the court said, “The pride parade must be canceled to elevate Shira Banki’s soul. If you care for her well-being, you must cease this blasphemy against God. The parades bring harsh decrees upon Israel.”
Schlissel has eschewed legal counsel, saying the court does not recognize Jewish law, and has not cooperated with the investigation.
The Jerusalem District Prosecutor’s Office asked that Schlissel remain in custody until the end of the legal proceedings against him. The court agreed to hold him over until Tuesday, when a hearing will be held on the request.
Schlissel had been released from prison three weeks before this year’s parade after serving 10 years for a similar attack at the Jerusalem gay pride parade in 2005.
According to the indictment, Schlissel was prevented from entering the parade at one entrance point by two police officers.
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