72-year-old teacher suspected of sexual harassment of a student

A 72-year-old teacher was interrogated on suspicion of indecent assault and sexual harassment of a student at the school in the center of the country where he teaches. Today, Wednesday, the police requested the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court to extend the restrictions and prohibit him from working with minors for 90 days. The teacher, for his part, categorically denies the suspicions against him, but in light of a "reasonable suspicion against him," Judge Shaul Avinor ruled to extend the restrictions for 45 days.

A complaint was received against the suspect about a week ago alleging that he committed an indecent act against his student, and an arrest warrant was issued against him. After being interrogated, he was released under conditions set by a police officer. According to the police representative, the teacher is suspected of an indecent act against a minor, harassment, and other offenses, and his work, by virtue of his position, brings him into contact with minors.

"In order for us to conduct a reliable and proper investigation, we request the requested order," he explained.

When asked why a period of 90 days is required, he replied that this is the request of the investigative unit and that the investigative actions were presented to the court. On the other hand, the suspect's defense attorney, Adv. Tzachi Lasri, argued that his client provided his version at length, is cooperating with the investigation, and categorically denies the allegations against him. According to him, to the extent that there are investigative actions that require the presence of the suspect, including a confrontation, extraction of phone data, or taking testimonies, the police should carry them out as soon as possible. The defense attorney added that some of the alleged events took place, allegedly, in the presence of others, including students, and therefore it is possible to summon the relevant witnesses and complete the investigation within a short time. He argued that a balance must be struck between the need to investigate the complainant's version and the harm to the suspect and his livelihood, since accepting the police's request for the full period effectively means that he will not be able to engage in his work.

Judge Shaul Avinor determined after reviewing the investigation file that based on the existing material, which includes a detailed statement from the complainant, "there is certainly a reasonable suspicion against the suspect." The judge noted that the suspect is 72 years old and has no prior records, but added that it should not be ignored that there was another incident in his past, even though it did not reach the stage of a police complaint. Ultimately, the court did not grant the police's request in full, as mentioned. The judge ordered to extend for another 45 days, starting from September 8, the conditions prohibiting the suspect from contacting those involved and keeping him away from the school. In addition, he is prohibited from working with minors during this period.