The Jerusalem District Court sentenced Elhanan Buzaglo to four years in prison on Sunday, after finding him guilty of aggravated assault, extortion, aiding an extortion and intimidation. He was also ordered to pay the complainant against him NIS 10,000 (about $2,400) in damages.
Buzaglo, a known member of the Jerusalem haredi neighborhoods' "Chastity Squad," pled guilty as part of a plea bargain struck with the State Prosecutor's Office.
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The "chastity squad" is a notorious group operating within the haredi community in the capital with the sole objective of fighting what it deems "female immodesty," and using methods of violence and intimidation to obtain its goal, if need be.
According to the prosecution, Buzaglo was hired to assault and intimidate a 31-year-old divorcee, who the "Chastity Squad" believed had "defaulted" on the proper haredi lifestyle, and pressure her into leaving her current place of residence.
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The State alleged that Buzaglo, along with four accomplices, forced their way into the woman's home, gagged her, beat her and warned her that if she did not move she would be killed.
The prosecution sought a lengthy prison sentences,
citing Buzaglo committed "a vile, despicable act for money."
The defense claimed that community service was in order, since "the 'chastity squad' is ideologically motivated, and harsh punishment will not deter its members." Buzaglo, added the defense, was nothing but a "small bolt" in the machine.
"The defendant's actions are grave," noted Judge Noam Sohlberg, presiding over the hearing, in his ruling. "He is a mercenary, known to be prone to violence and he means to beat and injure, threaten and intimidate.
"Nevertheless, it is possible that he himself was a victim of this organization's violence, which is why he saw fit to join its ranks," concluded Judge Sohlberg, adding that his assumption led to court to exercise leniency.
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