Pearlman. Detention extended
Photo: Yaron Brener
Sitbon. 'Old acquaintance'
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Third suspect in 'Jewish terrorist' case
Man detained for questioning was arrested in past on suspicion of involvement in violence against Arabs but later released
Police on Sunday questioned a third suspect in the case of "Jewish terrorist" Haim Pearlman. The suspect, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Mitzpe Yericho, was arrested in the past on suspicion of involvement in violent incidents against Arabs in Jerusalem, but was later released.
The suspect is represented by Attorney Yossi Lin from the organization Honenu, which provides legal assistance to rightwing activists. Lin confirmed that he had been detained, though police and the Shin Bet have not yet provided details.
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Last Thursday Petah Tikvah Magistrates' Court released David Sitbon to ten days' house arrest. Sitbon is suspected of assisting Pearlman by breaking into an IDF base and stealing arms.
Pearlman's arrest has been extended till Wednesday. Sources close to Pearlman alleged the security services were feeling their way in the dark while trying to give the impression that the case is progressing. The Shin Bet declined to respond to the allegations.
Pearlman's attorney, Sharon Nahari, said his client would continue to exercise his right to remain silent, and claimed the police have insufficient evidence to try him.
Sitbon's attorney, Ariel Atari, said the last time his client talked with Pearlman was 14 years ago when they were young. "It's an old acquaintanceship," he said.
It is thought that Sitbon transferred the stolen weapons to Pearlman, who is suspected of killing four Palestinians. Sitbon met his lawyer for the first time just last Friday, after Judge Desmond Levy accepted his petition and that of Pearlman and enabled them to obtain legal aid.
Sitbon's parents were also detained for questioning some ten days ago. Law enforcement sources said this was done in order to ascertain whether they had known of the IDF base break-in and the transfer of weapons to Pearlman.
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