Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Remand Extension, Health Problems

Translation: Diana Rubanenko

Judge: Menachem Lieberman

Police Investigator: Mahmoud Afif

Muhammad Hussein Odeh Bakhiri

He was arrested on 5 or 6 August 2014 (?). He was on the list of suspects on 7.8.14 when Nitza and Hagit were in the Russian Compound; but they missed the debate because they were delayed at the entrance.

He was brought again for extension of remand today, 11.8.14.

Defense: Atty. Avi Baram.

There was one case in the docket

Muhammad Hussein Odeh Bakhiri - ID 9575455346

Suspected of collaborating with the person who stabbed a security guard in Ma'aleh Adumim.

The police seek an eight-day remand extension for additional investigation.

This is his second extension. Bakhiri, 47, is a taxi driver from Tubas and is married with six children.

The suspect claims he took a random passenger and was unaware of the purpose of the passenger's journey.

The investigator / policeman proposed reaching consensus on four more days, but Baram didn’t agree.

The defense asked tough questions like: 'Is he the only detainee that the police/GSS found? Did the investigators test the taxi to obtain the detainee's fingerprints?"

The investigator argued that there is a mismatch between what the detainee stated concerning the event when he was arrested, and what he said after some days of detention. The police are investigating that discrepancy.

Summing-up by the defense attorney: This is a man who during his first interrogation was still scared and said things that he was not sure were true. He was then questioned again without knowing that the police possess a film showing that the driver encountered a difficult situation. He is the only detainee to whom the stabbing is attributed.

The detainee is inexperienced regarding detention and interrogation in general. All the actions of the investigation relate to him. "I do not think it appropriate that he is detained. He is 47, has diabetes and arthritis," "I do not think it correct to extend his remand time after time, and at the end ... without suspecting the system, a reason will be found for his arrest .."

I request his release.

Justice Lieberman sums up:

The police are requesting another eight days.

The detention of the suspect is the result of a stabbing incident that occurred in Ma'aleh Adumim. The police presented the judge with secret reports about the investigation… Despite the investigators' efforts, no progress has been achieved, and the suspicions against the suspect have not been strengthened in any way.

The judge then adds: this is a suspect without a criminal and/or security record, who is 47, and married with six children.

According to the police records, not only has the suspect never been convicted in the past, but everything indicates that he is a law-abiding citizen. Though he drove the perpetrator, the suspect apparently was not involved in or aware of what his passenger committed.

The secret report details actions in the investigation that either absolve the suspect of any suspicion - or those involved in the investigation will establish the allegations.

The judge suggests that the actions be performed within the next 72 hours. That is the extension that he gives.