IPS has 'concrete concerns' for Yigal Amir's safety
Prisoner Service says Yitzhak Rabin's assassin must stay in solitary confinement over another inmate's threat to harm him
The Israel Prison Service said Wednesday that former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassin, Yigal Amir, must remain in solitary confinement due to fears for his safety. A representative of the IPS told the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court that another inmate, who is regarded "dangerous," has threatened to harm Amir.
Tuesday's hearing dealt with the Amir's petition to change the terms of his confinement. Judge Avraham Tal has postponed the decision on the issue until the end of the month.
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According to the assassin's attorney, Ariel Attari, the prisoner who has threatened Amir is serving a 19-year sentence for attempted murder, aggravated robbery, intimidation and theft. The inmate is held in isolation as well, is considered violent and often quarrels with guards and other prisoners.
Attari said that the inmate has requested a visit with his partner, but was denied due to an IPS policy that prohibits same-sex conjugal visits.
"The inmate has threatened several other prisoners, and none of them had to be confined in isolation," Attari argued.
'Amir might spread his ideology'
The State has recently allowed Amir to meet a fellow prisoner three times a week to study the Torah.
The IPS argued Tuesday that in addition to the concern for Amir's safety, he is to remain in isolation because of the fear he might teach his beliefs to other prisoners.
"As long as we haven't received information indicating he has abandoned his opinions, there is a fear he might influence others with his ideology," and IPS representative said.
Amir's father, who was present at the hearing, said that the IPS is taking revenge on his son.
"They should take him out of isolation, like every other inmate," Shlomo Amir said. "He is not violent or dangerous, he is gentle. It's because he murdered a prime minister, and I'm not even sure he did that."
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