Russian Compound, Jerusalem - Stone Throwing, Holding and trading of combat materiel
Translation: Marganit W.
Russian Compound
Judge: Shmuel Fleishman
Police Interrogator: Itzik Yacobof
Defense: Attorneys Fahmi Shkirat, Mahfuz Rami
There are 5 cases in the docket - no "barred" [from meeting with attorneys] detainees
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The judge directed his first comment to the attorneys: "Next time put on ties! This is a regular court of law."
The judge participated actively in all the discussions, making many comments that to us, at least, sounded like he's siding with the police.
He made a point of asking every detainee if he had any health issues. Two said yes: one complained of a toothache. The judge asked if Acamol would do, or if he needs to see a dentist. The second detainee complained of abuse while in detention; he was taken by jeep, handcuffed and blindfolded. The soldiers threw him on the bottom of the jeep, kicked him, beat him and tried to strangle him.
The judge entered both complaints in the protocol and ordered an investigation, in the first case by a doctor.
The other detainees had no complains and this was noted too.
The first detainee was represented by Attorney Mahfuz Rami. He is accused of membership in Hamas. He is an 18 year old student and denies the allegations.
The police representative, Mr. Yacobof, requests a 22-day remand extension.
The judge orders 15 days.
The second detainee is represented by Attorney Fahmi Shkirat. He is accused of throwing rocks. He says he was also asked about accessibility to arms. This is his second remand extension. The two sides agree to a 9-day extension and transfer of the file to the prosecution. But there's a problem: the 9th day is Independence Day and the courts aren't open. The detainee is apprised of the problem. At first they write in the protocol: "if on 28.4 the court is not in session, the suspect will attend a hearing on the 27.4 and a trial on 30.4."
The detainee is ushered out, and then the judge and Mr. Yacoboff conclude that this arrangement is "too messy" and it is easier to extend the remand by 11 days instead of 9. Shkirat concurs and the protocol is amended to 11 days, with no qualifications.
The third detainee admits belonging to a Fatah unit: he threw rocks and collected intelligence. He also admits to manufacturing guns.
Here, too, the police requests 9 days, which later change to 11, due to the holiday (the possibility of 7 days is not brought up).
The fourth detainee is represented by Attorney Shkirat. Released from detention 9 months ago, he is now suspected of military activity. He admits the allegations. What exactly did he admit? The answer: it's written in the secret file.
After Shkirat's examination, the detainee wishes to make two points:
One: he was treated roughly on the way to the police facility. Two: there was mention of a connection between him and another detainee. He wants to clarify that the connection was criminal, not involving security.
The police requests 22 days remand extension. The judge decides on 11 days.
As for the violence allegation, the judge orders an investigation. At the next hearing he wants to see a full report of the suspect's complaints.
The fifth detainee is represented by Attorney Mahfuz Rami. He is from Azariya. He looks worried, restless and scruffy.
Mr. Yacobof requests 15 additional days for the investigation. The detainee has already made two statements to the police and his file was supposed to go to the prosecution. But the interrogator claims - and the judge agrees - that there is new evidence, as of yesterday, and that requires continuing the investigation.
The defense tries several tacks, but the judge rejects them. The judge interposes, cuts the attorney off, and tells him he has "gone astray". He sums up the case.
The detainee asks to address the court; he tells his personal story: he is worried about his wife and four children. One of them has a heart disease, the wife is ailing and needs treatments and surgery. The judge listens with a faint smile on his lips. His ruling: "Based on the secret file and additional documents, I am convinced that further investigation is in order". Remand extension for 11 days.