Indictment to be filed in Shfaram mosque shooting case; nationalistic motive ruled out
A month after the shooting at a mosque, which triggered an extensive search operation in the north, investigators have determined that the motive for the attack on the sheikh was criminal.
The Haifa District Attorney's Office is expected to file an indictment this week against Abad Azam for the attempted murder of a sheikh at a mosque in Shfaram. Charges will also be filed against an accomplice for his involvement in the incident. A joint investigation by the police and the Shin Bet has confirmed that the incident was not nationalistic in nature, but rather rooted in a criminal dispute.
At the onset of the investigation, authorities treated the event as a potential terrorist attack, leading to the deployment of large special forces units. The defendant's lawyers stated:
"The prosecution attempted to lead the defendant to confess to a security-related incident, which never occurred. It has been proven that the background to the incident was purely criminal."
The incident occurred roughly a month ago. According to the investigation, the suspect opened fire inside the mosque before fleeing the scene, allegedly carrying both a sword and a pistol. Detectives from the Galilee Central Unit eventually located the firearm and traced the shooter's movements, as well as the actions of his accomplice, who helped hide the weapon.
During the massive manhunt, which involved the police, Border Police, Shin Bet, and YAMAM, the public was urged to remain vigilant as the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. While terrorism was initially suspected, evidence gathered during the investigation ultimately ruled out a nationalistic motive. With the investigation now complete, the case is moving toward formal prosecution.
