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Jerusalem Pride suspect is charged with murder

One of the victims, 16-year-old Shira Banki, died in hospital three days later.

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Schlissel had been released from prison just weeks before the attack after being jailed for ten years for stabbing three people at a similar event in Jerusalem in 2005.

Schlissel was declared fit to stand trial after psychiatric examination.

In the wake of the latest attack, and an internal police panel that criticized multiple senior officers’ handling of the case, the focus has shifted to the failure to prevent the attack despite what appears to be clear intelligence about Schlissel and massive deployment of officers to protect the parade itself. The incident has sparked serious soul-searching in the Israeli establishment, with questions raised as to how he was able to approach marchers unhindered and, more broadly, how such violent fanatacism has been able to take root.

Besides the murder accusation, Shlissel was also charged with aggravated assault and six counts of attempted murder over the attack on the march last month in Jerusalem, the justice ministry said.

Legal proceedings have been complicated as Schlissel continues to refuse counsel, and says he does not accept the legitimacy of the court.

Schlissel in a statement to the court said, “The pride parade must be canceled to elevate Shira Banki’s soul”.

An investigation as to how Schlissel’s name was left off a list of potential troublemakers provided to Jerusalem District Police is ongoing.

Schlissel was remorseless at Monday’s court meeting.

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“If you care for her well being … you must stop cursing against God. Stop this provocation and abuse against the holy one, blessed be he”.

Israeli ultra-orthodox Yishai Shlissel brought handcuffed to the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court