Suspicion: Ramle man pressured witnesses to give false testimony in security case and attacked a witness

Taleb Abu Ghanem, 19, from Ramle, was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a series of acts of pressure on minors and adults to provide false testimony, with the aim of establishing an alibi for defendants in a security case.

The affair began following a security investigation conducted in January against Modi and Khalef Abu Ghanem, which resulted in an indictment. About two months ago, the defense attorney for one of the defendants approached the Central District Police (Yamar) offices, claiming to possess exculpatory evidence and an alibi. The subsequent investigation revealed, according to police, that several minors and adults were subjected to "incessant pressure" by the Abu Ghanem family, including 15 and 16-year-old teenagers who were coerced into testifying that they were with the defendant at the time of the offense.

According to police, Abu Ghanem harassed witnesses, followed them, caused damage to their property, and attacked one of the witnesses twice (on August 14 and 18) after learning she had filed a complaint. The witness reported that in one instance, the suspect ran her over with a bicycle multiple times. The police representative stated that while no medical certificate is available, there is photographic evidence of a cut on her leg, as well as video footage showing the suspect causing damage to her home, with two witnesses identifying him in the recording.

After weeks of evading capture and five failed attempts to locate him, Abu Ghanem was arrested on Thursday while allegedly attempting to flee from officers who arrived at his home.

His defense attorney, Eli Masterman from the Public Defender's Office, requested his release to house arrest, arguing that all other suspects in the case had already been released, some with greater involvement. He also challenged the police claim regarding the difficulty of locating him, stating that the suspect had been living at his home throughout the period. Alternatively, he requested a fitness-to-detain examination, claiming that communication with his client is limited and his responses are "vague, partial, and irrelevant."

Magistrate Court Judge Nir Gancherski determined there is an "evidentiary basis establishing reasonable suspicion" for offenses of inducing false testimony by force and threats, obstruction of justice, assault causing actual bodily harm, and intentional damage to property. The judge noted that grounds for obstruction and danger exist. He granted a five-day extension of detention, rather than the seven days requested by police, citing the need for continued judicial oversight.