Noam Federman: Cleared of charges
Photo: Gil Yohanan
State drops charges against rightist
Case against Noam Federman, who was accused of assaulting police officer during razing activity, closed for lack of evidence
The State Prosecutor's Office withdrew the charges it pressed against the extreme right-wing activist
Noam Federman "for a lack of evidence" on Thursday.
Federman was charged with aggravated assault involving a police officer, and hindering a police officer in the line of duty. The officers were razing two illegal structures on Federman's farm.
Previous Ruling
Aviad Glickman
Jerusalem Magistrate's Court acquits Noam Federman of assault charges due to attorneys' strike, but capital's District Court overrules decision, claims no damage done to accused
He was acquitted by the Magistrate's Court when the prosecution failed to attend the hearing, which was scheduled during the lawyers' strike. The prosecution then appealed the decision at the District Court, where the acquittal was overturned. On Thursday, the prosecution put an end to the case by withdrawing the charges altogether.
The presiding judge, Rachel Shalev-Gertal, disapproved of the 180-degree turn. "What happened? Will you inform the court why you gave it the runaround?" she asked.
A representative of the State Prosecutor's Office said that new information was brought forth by Federman's wife, which caused the legal team to rethink the charges.
'Case born out of sin'
Federman blamed the Deputy State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan for the debacle. "This case was born out of sin," he said. "Both the Magistrate's Court and the District Court ruled unequivocally that that there is no evidence, and that I am the victim and the police are the attackers. Despite it, Nitzan insisted on pursuing this false proceeding, which has lasted for over two years."I intend to file a civil law suit against the police," he added.
Federman's lawyer, Asher Ohayon added: "The days of the messiah have come. They reject the testimonies of an officer and three cops only because of the words of the defendant's wife, who has sat in the defendant's seat herself more than once."
He said that Federman's spouse has already filed a civil suit against the state, and that he expects her to be compensated.
A Justice Ministry spokesperson said in response: "After a renewed examination of the evidence in the case, and because time has passed since the violation was made, the prosecution has decided to withdraw the charges."
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