Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Activity against security in the region, Barred (from meeting with attorney)
Translation: Marganit W.
Judge: Lieut. Col. Zvi Heilbronn
Investigator: Ihab Halabi
Defense: Maamoun Hashim, Judd Kadmani
There are 7 cases in the docket – one of a minor and two of detainees
barred from seeing counsel.
To our utter surprise and delight we were given permission (without asking) to attend both parts of the hearing of the “barred” detainees – both the exchange between defense and investigator in the presence of the judge and the part where the attorney leaves and the detainee is brought in.
However, when the case of the minor (from Abu Dis) came up, we had to leave the court.
Wajdi Riad Talaa – ID 400170320
Date of birth: 10.10.1994. Resident of Ramallah
The investigator requested 15-day extension. (Because we were delayed we were unable to hear the exchange between the defense and the investigator, but we can report on what happened next.)
The attorney left, the detainee was brought in and the judge explained to him what had been said at the hearing in his absence. The judge asked the detainee how he was doing, and the latter said, unsurprisingly, OK, adding, “I did not do what they suspecy me of.”
Judge Heilbronn perused the file intently and then pronounced his decision:
There is a request for a 15-day remand extension. The detainee is suspected of involvement in security violation in the region. He claimed to have an alibi, but the investigators who checked it, reject his claim. The evidence in the file warrants the requested remand. However, in order to allow the court to supervise the detainee during the investigation and while he is barred from seeing his attorney, the court extends the remand by only 4 days.
Muhammad Naim Ali Takatka – ID 402228399
Born: 5.8.1994 – resident of Beit Fajer.
He is barred from seeing counsel.
The investigator requests a 12-day extension.
This is Muhammad’s second remand extension.
Here’s part of the exchange between investigator and defense:
Q: What was he interrogated about?
A: Activity that risks security in the region.
Q: Does he know what he is charged with?
A: The suspect gave a statement to the police
Q: How old is the charge?
A: It’s up to date. The violation is serious and sensitive.
Q: Are others involved?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the detainee suspected of possessing combat materiel?
A: There is a connection.
Q: Is firing involved?
A: It’s in the secret file.
Q: Any injuries?
A: It’s in the secret file.
Q: Is there an official complaint?
A: Yes, there is.
Q: Civilians? Soldiers?
A: It’s in the secret file.
Q: Any recording by security cameras?
A: In the secret file.
Q: Since Thursday, how many times has he been interrogated?
A: Twice.
Q: Has he given a police statement?
A: Not yet.
Q: How is his health?
A: Normal.
Defense summation:
He has been interrogated twice since his arrest – not sufficient in order to find the truth.
The police investigator did not give good answers – he only mentioned combat materiel. The attorney asks the court to release the detainee or to reduce the remand extension.
The attorney left and the detainee was brought in.
Judge Heilbronn apprised the detainee of what had transpired in the earlier part of the hearing; then he asked him if he was doing okay. He added: Well, let me read the file.
Judge’s decision: Having examined the evidence in the file, I find that the suspicions against the detainee are warranted. He links himself to the incident, which involved others as well.
Remand extension of 4 days.
Muatazem Naim Ali Takatka
Born: 1.6.1997.
The sides had reached an agreement.
Remand extension for 8 days.