Lawyer for nun attacked in Jerusalem decries impunity for anti-Christian attacks

The legal defense for a French Catholic nun assaulted in Jerusalem's Old City last April has voiced strong criticism regarding the perceived impunity for attacks targeting Christians in Israel. The lawyer highlighted a pattern where perpetrators are often excused due to claims of mental alienation.

This criticism follows a recent court decision where a judge acquitted a Jewish man accused of assaulting the nun. The judge determined the assailant was in a "psychotic" state at the time of the attack and subsequently ordered his committal to a psychiatric hospital for up to six years.

The nun's lawyer expressed frustration, stating that "unfortunately, when Christians are attacked, it is often determined that the perpetrators are not of sound mind or are not held fully responsible for their actions." This sentiment underscores a belief that the legal framework fails to adequately address and punish religiously motivated violence against the Christian community.

According to the lawyer, the assailant, an Israeli Jew residing in an illegal West Bank settlement, was linked to an extremist religious and nationalist organization. Video footage of the incident showed the man shoving the nun to the ground, causing her to hit her head, and then returning to kick her before being restrained.

While the French Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the attack and Israel's Foreign Ministry pledged to bring the perpetrator to justice, the legal outcome has fueled concerns about the safety and treatment of Christians in the region. Reports indicate an increase in harassment incidents against Christians, ranging from spitting to physical violence and vandalism of religious symbols.