A Ramleh Judge, deploring the lack of institutions in Israel to care for retarded adults who run afoul of the law, has suggested that they be held in the Welfare Ministry offices or in the Cabinet ante-chamber as a constant reminder of “this shameful situation.”
Judge Dov Eitan’s remarks were circulated in the Knesset today by Mrs. Chaika Grossman, a Mapam MK who Is chairman of the Knesset public service committee. She sent a copy to Welfare Minister Michael Hazani.
The Judge made his point after sentencing a 22-year-old prostitute, Jacqueline Marciano, to six months in jail for soliciting. He said that the girl who is retarded and has psychopathic tendencies clearly should not have gone to Jail but it was the only place where she will have a clean bed and food. The lack of institutions to care for retarded adults who come before the court means they have to go to prison or be freed to roam the streets, Judge Eitan said.
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