Last update - 00:00 05/09/2006
Rights group asks court to suspend cop accused of trampling protester
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
A human rights group from the West Bank on Tuesday submitted a petition to the High Court of Justice demanding the suspension of a mounted police officer suspected of trampling a protester during the evacuation of the Amona outpost earlier this year.
Policeman David Edri is awaiting trial for allegedly trampling Yehuda Etzion under the hoofs of his horse during the evacuation.
The petition, submitted by attorney Haim Cohen, is based on the "Vitkin procedure" established by the High Court of Justice, which rules that an officer standing criminal trial is to be suspended from the police.
The petition accuses police of deliberately dragging its feet and avoiding making decisions on the matter, despite its dull awareness of the Vitkin procedure.
Cohen said he began his inquiries when Edri was indicted in the beginning of April, but has received only laconic responses.
Edri trial is expected to begin on September 28.
The state has offered Etzion NIS 23,000 in compensation, despite the lack of proof of damage from Etzion.