Ex-interrogator, accused of torture, tapped to advise police on Arab affairs
As part of his duties, 'Captain George' will oversee the sensitive relationship between the police and the Arab community in Jerusalem.
By Chaim Levinson and Liel KyzerThe former interrogator for Unit 504 of Military Intelligence known as "Captain George" has been appointed as adviser on Arab affairs for the commander of the Jerusalem District Police, sources have told Haaretz. As part of his duties, "George" will oversee the sensitive relationship between the police and the Arab community in the district.
 |
Police in Jerusalem. |
| Photo by: Moti Kimche |
The role of adviser on Arab affairs is considered a key position in the district's police force, headed by Aharon Franco, in light of tensions stemming from religious and ethnic friction. The job will require "George" to file reports on views in the Arab community, as well as function as a liaison between the police commander and local residents.
"The adviser must be an accepted and welcome figure in the Arab community, with excellent interpersonal skills - someone they feel they can trust, otherwise he cannot succeed in the job," a senior police officer said.
"George," who holds the rank of major, became famous when he was accused of torture by Mustafa Dirani - who was abducted by IDF commandos in 1994 from his home in Southern Lebanon, and brought to Israel for questioning. The Hezbollah man sued Israel for NIS 6 million in damages. In 2004, he testified in court about being raped with a baton by soldiers under "George's" command.
Dirani said he was threatened not to reveal what had happened to him, had suffered continuous torture for a month and throughout that period was not allowed any clothes, only adult diapers.
"George" denied Dirani's claims, except to confirm that one soldier had been sent into the prisoner's cell wearing only underwear to threaten him with a sexual act. The Military Police investigation did not result in an indictment. "George" then appealed to the Supreme Court, asking to be tried so that he could clear his name of the accusations, but he was turned down.
After Dirani was released to Lebanon, the state asked that his suit be dropped, but the judge refused. Since 2005, however, the case has remained dormant.
In that time, "George" left the army and joined the police, initially working for the immigration police and then in police intelligence. Several months ago he was appointed adviser to the Jerusalem police chief.
The police said: "There is no link between the previous role held by Major D. ["George"] and his current position. The officer is carrying out his duties to Franco's satisfaction, and is contributing a great deal to the good relationship between Jerusalem police and the Arabs of East Jerusalem."
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
Sure to engender trust.
And Rajoub and Dahlan are senior PA people Israel deals with all the time. The Pals think they're kosher, so why not Cap'n George?
Your next story should be about the Palestinian Prime Minister whose PhD thesis "proves" that the holocaust did not occur.
Of course it depends on what kind of qualities you're looking for in an advisor on Arab affairs. If you want someone who knows how to break people's spirit and how to inflict pain an ex torturer sounds like a prime candidate. Personally I think there could be other qualities that might be worth more to someone who's supposed to act as a liaison between the police and the Arab community. I might go for an Arab...
It is not only improper acts that cause problems, it is the appearance of having committed such acts. In normal circumstances, this is not a problem. However, for a sensitive position in relation to the Arabs, it is at best, foolish and at worst, provocation. Surely Israel could find someone else for this position.
In 1978 after I spent summer in Israel and was about to leave for New York to do my second year at Yale I was told that I have to first do "miluim." I was angry that nobody told me that when I just arrived, and I didn't want to be late for the school year. I began to protest and stood with the poster at the Kaplan 23 for 10 days talking to the officers and soldiers under the terrible August sun. I met with the Maariv correspondent, member of the Knesset from Likud, and also with the Chief of the Israeli Reserves who let me go. The only person who wouldn't talk to me on the phone or in person was Captain "George" who wouldn't let me leave. Is this the same Captain George or that was his father?
Hezbollah man accuses evil enemies of torture to look like a hero, the officer demanded a trial to prove his innocence, and nothing was made in court either way. Nothing but blame from a Hezbollah terrorist against Israel to make him look courageous. How is this news? This is like saying "Samir Quntar possibly didn't murder a toddler because he denies doing so" Hey, I guess he didn't do it then.. -_-'
and the zionists puthim there. following their models, I expect. Torture is such a part of the game for occupiers. It helps keep them in power until they implode from their own rot and corruption. Good luck, George.
That such an appointment by Israel no longer shocks is the true measure of its abysmal moral standing in the world today. We no longer expect anything better Israel.