Avigdor Askin
Photo: Raanan Ben-Zur
Michael Cherney
Photo: Michael Kremer
Rightist suspected of illegal wiretapping
Avigdor Askin, two private detectives from Tel Aviv detained for allegedly listening in on conversations of Russian-Israeli businessman Michael Cherney's associates
Right-wing activist Avigdor Askin was arrested along with two private detectives from Tel Aviv on Monday, on suspicion that they had illegally listened in on the conversations of Russian-Israeli businessman Michael Cherney's associates.
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The complaint against the three was filed by Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who said the alleged wiretapping was aimed at harming him.
Israel Police's International Crimes Unit arrested the men on suspicion of illegal wiretapping, conspiring to commit a crime and violating the Privacy Law.
A source close to Askin told Ynet that the arrest was an attempt by police to "settle the score" with the right-wing activist, who helped organize the campaign calling for the release of Yitzhak Rabin's assassin, Yigal Amir.
During a search of the suspects' homes and offices, police found evidence linking the men to the alleged crimes.
The Petah Tikva Magistrates Court was scheduled to hold a remand hearing fro the three at noon.
Askin's associates said it was no secret that the rightist took part in a campaign that had called on Lieberman to resign from the government, but added that during the past month Askin was preoccupied with the campaign to free Amir.
