'Gathering info from soldiers potentially devastating for army'
During appeal hearing on release of five defendants accused of breaking into Epraim Spatial Brigade base, State Prosecution claims suspects are 'ideological offenders who consider authorities as kingdom of evil'
"Gathering information from soldiers can be destructive and can prove detrimental to the military's robustness," the State Prosecution said during a Supreme Court hearing in an appeal filed by the State following the Jerusalem District Court's decision to release the five defendants suspected of involvement in breaking into the Ephraim Spatial Brigade base last month.
According to the indictment, Akiva HaCohen, Elad Meir, Epraim Chaykin, Meir Etinger and David Eliyahu from Jerusalem planned to thwart the eviction of West Bank outposts by entering military bases and clashing with IDF soldiers.
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The defendants were also accused of involvement in rioting at the Ephraim Spatial Brigade base, as part of their efforts to prevent the demolition of outposts.
Senior Assistant State Attorney Shlomi Abramson claimed that the case was not about "the Right against the Left. This case does not deal with freedom of expression, or demonstration. The defendants decided to undermine government decisions in illegitimate ways, and chose violent and dangerous means to achieve their goal."
The defendants in court (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
According to Abramson, "The defendants' acts went far beyond singing, dancing and handing out flyers. Their aim was to harm (the army) and bring about anarchy.
"These are ideological offenders that do not fear the lettr of the law or take into account the authorities. As far as they are concerned (the government) is the enemy, and they are at war with it. They see the authorities as the kingdom of evil," he stated.
Attorney Adi Keidar, representing the defendants, stated on their behalf that they understand that continuing with their activity as described in the indictment is forbidden, and any violation on their part would lead to immediate incarceration.
The defendants then stood up one by one and told the judge: "We understand that we mustn't make any use of the media in any way related to the activities described in the indictment, or engage in any other activity that relates to thwarting the eviction of outposts."
Earlier on Thursday, Meanwhile, soldier Amihy Zoaretz, who is suspected of passing information on the activity of the military to right-wing activists, was released from custody.
Aviel Magnezi contributed to this release
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