Detention Extended for Suspect in Attack on Channel 12 News Office
Police claim to have gathered evidence linking the suspect to a series of incidents, including death threats. The defense attorney argues that there is no significant progress and requests house arrest.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court has extended the detention of Avraham Hadi for the third time. He is suspected of a series of serious offenses, including extortion by threats, obstruction of justice, and intentional property damage.
The investigation initially focused on acts of vandalism and graffiti, but has since expanded to include more severe allegations, such as throwing stones at media outlets and the Ministry of Justice, as well as sending a threatening letter detailing intentions to harm public figures.
Staff Sergeant Ben Taibi, representing the Tel Aviv Central Unit, stated during the hearing that numerous findings link the suspect to these events. Although Hadi was questioned twice and presented with video and photographic evidence, he denied any connection, citing health issues and claiming he was not the person documented. Police stated that these claims have been investigated and contradicted by evidence.
Investigators noted that the case has been transferred to the State Attorney's Office, a supervising prosecutor has been appointed, and further investigative steps are required before an indictment can be considered. The police representative emphasized that the suspect is also accused of explicit death threats against various individuals and organizations.
Defense attorney Eran Amarani argued that despite this being the third extension, there has been no dramatic progress in the investigation. He maintained that all approved investigative actions have been completed and requested an alternative to detention, arguing that the investigation could proceed while his client is under house arrest.
"Detention cannot serve as a 'down payment on the punishment,' even in a case of public interest," the defense attorney argued.
Judge Yaron Gat determined that investigative actions conducted since the previous hearing have substantially strengthened the reasonable suspicion against the suspect. He noted that certain remaining investigative steps require the suspect to be in custody. However, acknowledging the length of the detention, the judge emphasized that the investigation must proceed quickly and granted the police request for a five-day extension.
