The man who assaulted a woman in broad daylight in Azor last week claimed Monday in court that he suffered a severe accident two years ago and is trying to elicit sympathy, according to journalist Daniel Amram. The judge rejected the defense and extended his remand; police said an indictment will be filed Thursday. The court also allowed him five phone calls, reportedly including to Palestinian Authority figures, apparently to pressure for his release.
The suspect in the daylight sexual assault in Azor appeared in court Monday for his second remand hearing, where his defense centered on a personal injury claim. The judge was not persuaded by the argument that a severe accident two years ago should mitigate his responsibility, and ordered his continued detention.
Police announced during the hearing that an indictment will be filed by Thursday, moving the case toward formal charges. The court also permitted the suspect five phone calls, including reportedly to contacts in the Palestinian Authority — which the Zioneer's Daniel Amram reported appeared to be an attempt to apply external pressure for the suspect's release.
The assault, captured on multiple security cameras in broad daylight in Azor on Thursday, sparked public outrage and a widespread search. The suspect was arrested by police shortly after the footage circulated on social media. His earlier claim in court — that he only intended to ask the victim for her phone — was not repeated in this hearing.
2 developments
- StrongAzor assault suspect claims in court he only wanted victim's phone; remand extended
- StrongDaniel Amram: young woman sexually assaulted by stalker in broad daylight in Azor; suspect still at large
- StrongSuspect in Tel Aviv street assaults denies attacks, claims women bumped into him
- DevelopingPolice file prosecutor's statement against Hebron man accused of years-long sexual abuse of daughter
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