Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Remand Extension, Barred (from meeting with attorney)

Translation: Tirza Sandbank

Judge: Menahem Lieberman

Police investigator: Ziad Katash

Defense: Firas Sabah, Ma’amoun Hashim

Four cases in the docket. Two of them concerning detainees barred from meeting with an attorney.

We were present at the hearing where the defense attorneys were present (without  the suspect), but there was a Gag Order.

Fadi Jamal Darvish - ID 907666820

There is agreement between the defense and the police investigator.

The judge's decision: remand extension for another 8 days for further investigation.

Tarek Abed-El-Basat Assad Hagali- ID850569799

Investigators request an additional eight days for investigation.

While Ma’amoun is speaking to the detainee, Firas asks questions:

Q: In addition to suspicions to which the suspect admitted (receiving money and transferring it to prisoners) , were there any additional suspicions?

A: The information appears in the request for remand extension.

Q:  Did he admit the charges?

A:  Yes.

Q:  So why do you need the extra time?

A:  The answer to that is in the confidential file.

Q: Was the detainee questioned about other things in addition to those which he admitted?

A:  In the confidential file.

Q:  Did you verify his police statement?

A:  In the confidential file.

Q:  How many times was he interrogated?

A: 28 times.

Summary of the defense (Firas):

The suspect was arrested on 9.6.15.  Since then he has been interrogated by the GSS on the subject of transferring money to prisoners in jail.  The sums in question are  2000-3000 shekels.

According to him, he was trying to help the family; he had no intention of helping an enemy organization.  He has been cooperating with his investigators.  Since the last remand extension and until now, he has been in his cell.  He was interrogated  just once for five minutes and was not accused of lying.  It would seem that this is a sign that his investigators believe him, that they were convinced by his admissions. 

Thus there is no justification for further remand.

It is up to the investigators to provide proof that he has committed a felony, and that he was aware of the fact that organizational money or criminal action were involved. This, in fact, has not  happened.

Thus, Firas requests that the court release the detainee or at least seriously reduce the days of investigation.

The judge’s decision:  About a week after his arrest, the detainee linked himself to the prohibited activity, and since then there has been no substantial development in the investigation.

In addition, between the 18.6 and the 29.6, in other words, eleven days, the suspect was interrogated only once for an hour and ten minutes. (by the police and the GSS).

Justice Lieberman adds that he is not convinced that the investigatory elements are making full use of the time allotted to them by the court. In his opinion there is sufficient evidentiary basis for an indictment.

There is a security risk in the case.

He rules for a remand extension of four additional days.