The 22-year-old driver from Qalansawe who struck a 93-year-old pedestrian at the Geha Interchange was released from custody. She told investigators she continued driving because she feared a lynching by protesters, according to Israeli media. She received a summons for further questioning.
The 22-year-old driver from Qalansawe who struck a 93-year-old pedestrian at the Geha Interchange during Haredi protests has been released from custody as of this afternoon, Israeli media report. She told investigators she feared a lynching by protesters and continued driving; she later turned herself in and was detained for questioning. She has now been released with a summons to return for further police investigation. The victim remains in moderate condition with a head injury, as MDA corrected earlier.
The story has evolved rapidly since the incident on June 11. Initial reports (19:08 Jerusalem) circulated video of a vehicle accelerating toward protesters, with activist Yoeli Barim posting (19:23 Jerusalem) that a 93-year-old had been run over. MDA initially listed the victim in serious condition before correcting (19:28 Jerusalem) to moderate. The driver was first reported released without questioning (10:53 Jerusalem); subsequent versions stated she was released under restrictive conditions and claimed she feared the protesters. The current account (13:20 Jerusalem) confirms her release with the lynching claim.
The incident occurred amid ongoing Haredi protests against military conscription, as The Zioneer reported on June 11. Four casualties since January were noted by an activist, including two minors. The case remains under investigation; no formal charges have been announced, and it is unclear whether the driver's claim will be tested against video evidence or witness accounts. The summons indicates police intend to continue gathering evidence before any decision on charges.
5 developments
- DevelopingDriver who struck protester turns herself in for questioning
- StrongVideo captures suspected deliberate hit-and-run at Geha Interchange
- Strong93-year-old man run over at Geha Junction protest, according to Israeli activist
- StrongMDA corrects: pedestrian injured at Geha protest is 93, condition moderate
Source and signal
- Internal intake