MK Amit Halevi (Likud) on Friday condemned what he called a "complete breakdown" of police, prosecution, and courts after visiting Uriya Cohen, the owner of the Tzf Hat farm in Samaria, at Sharon Prison. Halevi alleged police fabricated accusations against Cohen, who was arrested three weeks ago after firing a warning shot during an attempted theft of his herd, and criticized a magistrate judge's decision to hold Cohen until the end of proceedings. The case has drawn ongoing political attention.
MK Amit Halevi (Likud) visited Sharon Prison on Friday to meet with Uriya Cohen, the owner of the Tzf Hat farm in Samaria, who has been in custody for three weeks. Following the visit, Halevi issued a statement accusing police, prosecutors, and the courts of a "complete breakdown" in handling the case.
Halevi alleged that police fabricated the case against Cohen, who fired a single warning shot in self-defense after armed thieves stole his herd and attempted to run him over. According to Halevi, the indictment filed this week actually recounted Cohen's own version of events. A magistrate judge nevertheless extended Cohen's detention until the end of proceedings — a decision Halevi called "unhinged and legally unprecedented."
As The Zioneer has reported, the case has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and rights organizations. The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court released Cohen to house arrest on Monday (June 22), but the state appealed, and a district court reversed the decision, ordering him held until indictment. Cohen's supporters say the arrest is politically motivated; police maintain the charges are justified, citing public safety.
- DevelopingDistrict Court overturns house arrest, orders farm owner Uriya Cohen held until indictment
- DevelopingFarm owner's advocate claims police fabricated case in Samaria herd theft incident
- DevelopingSamaria farmer released after two weeks in custody, judge criticizes police case
- DevelopingDetention extended for two Samaria farmers after they retrieved stolen flock; lawyers say case weak
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