Court Acquits Suspects of Attempting To Kidnap Rav Yaakov Schechter

Two individuals were apprehended by law enforcement in connection with the alleged attempted kidnapping of Rav Yaakov Meir Schechter.

The arrests came about following an incident where one of the suspects was captured on record as he approached Rav Schechter with apparent intentions of abduction.

Following their apprehension, the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court opted to release the two suspects, citing a lack of substantial evidence to support the allegation of an attempted kidnapping of Rav Schechter.

Judge Toker, in her ruling, remarked that the investigation file failed to present compelling evidence raising suspicion of a kidnapping attempt. She noted that it appeared to be a customary approach to Rav Schechter during the Yom Tov period. Additionally, the complainant did not perceive any imminent danger, and the police were not contacted promptly; instead, an online complaint was filed two days after the purported incident, with the first testimony collected only after this delay.

The judge underscored that the core of the complaint appeared to revolve around a civil dispute rather than an immediate threat or danger, which would warrant detention. She further emphasized that the investigation was unlikely to conclude swiftly, and while certain investigative actions might cause disruption, this did not justify extending the suspects’ detention.

{Matzav.com Israel}