(JTA) — A Tel Aviv court placed a gay rights activist under house arrest on suspicion that he molested a minor — an act that is believed to have triggered a 2009 double homicide at a gay community center.
According to Maariv, gay rights activist Shaul Ganon, 49, was released from jail on Friday and confined to his home. The transfer took place just over a week after police placed him in custody on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor.
Police believe that a relative of the minor, Haggai Felician, killed two people and wounded another in 2009 at the Bar Noar gay community center in Tel Aviv founded by Ganon as revenge for the alleged molestation. Felician was arrested, along with two alleged accomplices, on June 5.
In statements to Israeli media, Ganon has denied the molestation charges. But according to Israel Radio, he admitted to having sexual contact with a 15-year-old in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Tel Aviv police are investigating another sex crime allegation against Ganon by a woman who said the activist tried to rape her 10 years ago, before she underwent gender reassignment surgery.
