Ethiopian-Israelis protest in Jerusalem after cop’s release, 7 arrested

Dozens of Ethiopian-Israeli activists are protesting the release of the cop who shot and killed Solomon Tekah on June 30.

The protesters are blocking intersections near the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Police say seven have been arrested.

The death of 19-year-old Tekah sparked nationwide protests last week.

Ethiopian-Israelis protest outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 15, 2019, after the release of a police officer who shot and killed a young man of Ethiopian origin in Haifa on June 30. (Menahem Kahana/AFP)
Ethiopian-Israelis protest outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 15, 2019, after the release of a police officer who shot and killed a young man of Ethiopian origin in Haifa on June 30. (Menahem Kahana/AFP)
Ethiopian-Israelis protest outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 15, 2019, after the release of a police officer who shot and killed a young man of Ethiopian origin in Haifa on June 30. (Menahem Kahana/AFP)
Ethiopian-Israelis protest outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 15, 2019, after the release of a police officer who shot and killed a young man of Ethiopian origin in Haifa on June 30. (Menahem Kahana/AFP)

The officer, who has not been publicly named but is expected to face charges of reckless homicide, was off duty when he shot Tekah in Haifa. He has claimed he was trying to break up a street fight and was set upon by three youths who hurled stones at him, endangering his life. He said he did not target Tekah, and instead fired at the ground.

The shooting sparked renewed accusations of police brutality and racism toward the Ethiopian community. Days after the shooting, protesters across Israel blocked roads, burned tires and denounced what they called systemic discrimination against Israelis of Ethiopian descent.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.