Suspicion did not strengthen: Yossi Musli released to full house arrest

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court ordered today, Thursday, the release of Yossi Musli to full house arrest in Savyon. Judge Shani Stern rejected the police's request to extend his detention on suspicion of assault, determining that the investigative actions have not led to any significant development. His release was delayed until tomorrow morning.

Musli was arrested this week on suspicion of assault in a group and conspiracy to commit a crime. During the initial hearing, Judge Stern determined there was no reasonable suspicion and ordered his release, but the police appealed to the District Court, which extended the detention until today, citing a basic suspicion that could be subject to obstruction.

At today's hearing, the police requested 11 additional days of detention. The police representative claimed that significant progress had been made and that investigators possessed testimonies contradicting Musli's version. According to the suspect, he only approached the victim to offer a glass of water, as the victim appeared to be in distress. The police representative countered that while he may have brought water, other details contradict his account. She also explained that Musli was present at the scene during the assault, which was carried out by two other suspects who fled. Furthermore, the police noted that Musli had left his residence while under house arrest for a separate case to be at the scene of this incident.

Musli's defense attorneys, Yahli Sperling and Shahar Hatzroni, demanded his immediate release. Lawyer Sperling explained that the incident was spontaneous, lacking any prior conflict with the victim, and argued that the police could not refute the "glass of water" version.

"Release him today, you don't have enough evidence, continue to investigate at your leisure, in peace, and under house arrest," he argued.

After examining the new investigation materials, Judge Stern determined that some do not strengthen the suspicion at all, while others actually weaken it. "The actions taken, although done with due diligence, did not lead to any real development in the investigation," she noted in her decision, adding that Musli's mere presence at the scene does not necessarily link him to the assault. Regarding the alleged violation of previous release conditions, the judge determined there was no justification for detention, as the incident occurred near the location of his house arrest.

The court ordered Musli to be released to full house arrest under his wife's supervision, requiring a 5,000 shekel deposit, financial guarantees, and a 30-day prohibition on contacting those involved. At the police's request, the execution of the decision was delayed until tomorrow at 10:00 to allow them to file an appeal.