Jerusalem top cop under sexual harassment probe
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E-mail Xinhua, July 26, 2012
Jerusalem top cop under sexual harassment probe
JERUSALEM, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Jerusalem District Police Chief Niso Shaham was placed on enforced leave in recent days following an Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) investigation involving allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Shaham is suspected of indecent assault, sexual harassment and forbidden consensual sexual relations with several female policewomen.
Zion District commander Nissim Edrey was also placed on leave, under suspicion of his involvement in the affair. The women reportedly alerted Edrey, who reportedly refrained from forwarding the report to higher-ups.
Shaham said the relations were by consent, according to Israel Radio, although it is unclear how many women were involved.
An undercover investigation begun against Shaham and Edrey in the last few weeks after a complaint was filed against the two. Both were questioned by the IAB on Wednesday, and were immediately placed on leave at the behest of Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino, the report said.
Both suspects refused to comment on the reports, and were ordered to refrain from contact with the plaintiffs.
Jerusalem District Police Dep.-Cmdr. Manny Yitzhaki was named as Shaham's replacement.
A source familiar with the story said Thursday that this is "a sad morning for Israel and the Israeli police." Further details are expected to surface throughout the day.
However, in comment on the developing affair, former Jerusalem District commander Arieh Amit told Army radio, "We are going through fearful, awful days for the police," using a traditional Jewish phrase referring to pending fateful decisions.
"At this point, I'd be expected to say, 'I can't believe my ears,' but, I've seen so many things in my life and been surprised so often, that I'll be in shock if it turns out to be true," Amit said.
"Things like this are found in any large organization," Amit said, hinting at the nature of the charges.
In 2005, during Israel's evacuation of the Gaza Strip, Shaham - then Negev District chief - was caught on camera during police preparations for the operation goading officers to brutalize settlers, including using nightsticks, in quelling any opposition to efforts to remove them from their homes and communities.
Right-wing activist welcomed the news of the investigation.
"Seven years after the expulsion of Jews from Gaza, another criminal who collaborated in the crime of the expulsion is paying the price," said Rabbi Dov Wolpe, whose group, SOS Israel, filed suit against Shaham's appointment.
"We argued that he is a dangerous man, unfit to serve in the police," Wolpe said, according to Israel National News.
However, Amit said, "We're talking about one of the most talented officers that I've ever known and worked with," concluding, "it would be a shame to ignore his brilliant past; I pray that the story isn't true." Enditem
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