Jerusalem: Accused Torturer Set To Head Police- Arab Relations

Wednesday July 28, 2010 14:59 by Brian Ennis - IMEMC & Agencies

The former military interrogator known as 'Captain George' has been appointed the director of Arab affairs for the Jerusalem District Police.

US DoD

The post includes responsibilities such as being a liaison between the police commander and the Arab community as well as filing reports on Arab opinion in the city. It is considered a position of significant importance by the Jerusalem police commander, Aharon Franco.

'Captain George' reached notoriety when a unit he was commanding was accused of torturing Mustafa Dirani, a Lebanese citizen kidnapped by Israeli forces in 1994.

Mustafa sued Israel for 6 million shekels in damages and in his testimony recalled how his captors had raped him with a baton. The case has been in limbo since 2005.

'Captain George' was appointed to the position a couple of months ago and the police had this to say of him, "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."

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