Yigal Amir's wife to undergo artificial insemination

Prime Minister Rabin's murderer allowed to transfer semen to his wife, Larissa Trimbobler, in order for her to undergo artificial insemination

Raanan Ben-Zur|Last update: 03.07.06 , 11:42

The Israel Prison Service commissioner and the State's prosecutor decided to allow Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's murderer Yigal Amir to transfer semen to his spouse Larissa Trimbobler and enable her to undergo artificial insemination.

The IPS reported Amir will not have to leave prison in order to take part in the procedure.

In a petition submitted by Amir recently, the PM's killer asked to allow him and his wife to go through artificial insemination. The IPS and the State's prosecutor were scheduled to reply to the petition Tuesday, but eventually decided to withdraw their objection to the process. The court hearing was thus consequently called off.

In the petition, Amir's attorneys said that despite the fact they in no way sympathize with their client's actions, they are "entrusted with safeguarding human rights," and that the attempt to prevent Amir from having children hurts a fundamental human right.

The petition also stated that "a society is measured in the way it treats the weak and those it finds despicable," and that "a democratic society is committed to display intellectual dignity and courage when it comes to avoiding imposing anti-democratic measures, even against those who acted in the ultimate anti-democratic way."

Emotions, political interests and journalistic analysis must be left outside the court, Amir's lawyers further claimed, saying the discussion on the matter must remain "legalistic, civil and to the point."

IPS: Amir bypassed decision

Several months earlier, Amir appealed to the Ayalon prison warden to allow him to undergo fertility treatments in order for him to have a child with Trimbobler.

However, the IPS announced that although Amir and Trimbobler were recognized by the Chief Rabbinate as a married couple, they would not be allowed to meet privately (in order to have intercourse), as the marriage was not yet recognized by the Interior Ministry.

IPS officials said that Amir's recent petition is an attempt to bypass the decision, which has also been approved by court. According to these sources, Amir is classified as a security prisoner, and as such he is banned from being granted holidays, permission to meet privately with his spouse and to undergo fertility treatments.

Rabin Center: Decision sends negative message

Colonel (Res.) Yossi Lahmani, director-general of the Rabin Center, said in response to the decision: "Handling the prisoner is the responsibility of the State and its institutions. The dilemma belongs to the entire Israeli society. The fact the murder was unique requires that the perpetrator be treated differently."

"The State and its institutions must withhold from this vile and despicable murderer rights that are granted to other convicts, considering the crime was committed against the state of Israel and Israeli democracy," he added.

Lahmani also said that the Rabin Center was concerned about the tendency to make equal the jailing standards of the murderer and those of regular criminal prisoners. "This sends a negative educational message to generations to come," he explained.

Amir family rejoices

Amir's mother Geula has been overjoyed ever since she learned of the decision. Friends and relatives also heard the news and have been calling the family's house all morning.

"I am happy that logic finally prevailed over fanaticism and hate," Geula said. "Although Yigal's deed was appalling and serious, I think the murder of women and children is no less severe."

However, she stated she was still unhappy with the situation. "I'd expect him to be granted permission to meet with his wife in private, as he is married. Only in the State of Israel there's the audacity not to give a prisoner this right. Hatred overrides everything here," she said.