Rotem Singer - will continue to travel
Photo: EPA
Israeli suspected of causing Chile wildfire released
Santiago Prosecution drops charges against Rotem Singer, who was suspected of starting Torres del Paine National Park fire in January
Rotem Singer, the Israeli tourist arrested
on suspicion of starting the fire in Torres del Paine National Park last month, will not be prosecuted, Ynet learned Thursday. His mother said that he has no plans to return to Israel at
this time.
"Today Rotem got his passport back and he is a free man. He won't be coming back to Israel," she told Ynet and added that contrary to media reports, he will not be taking an active part in the national park restoration efforts.
Related stories:
- Israeli tourist: Wildfire in Chile not my fault
- Israeli suspect's friend: No way he caused Chile wildfire
- Israeli suspected of causing Chile wildfire
As for the Israeli female backpackers who allegedly told authorities in Chile that Rotem was responsible for the fire, his mother said: "They framed Rotem, but we're letting him continue on his trip.
No prosecution. Rotem Singer on cover of Chilean paper
"He needs it. He only got to travel for two and a half weeks before this whole thing started, so there is no reason for the girls who set him up to break him and have him come home after such a short time."
According to the attorney who offered legal assistance in the case the settlement with the Chilean prosecution states that Singer will not be deported. He will receive his passport in Santiago, pay a fine of NIS 10,000 ($2,700) volunteer to aid in fundraising efforts for a restoration fund.
Singer, 23, was arrested in January on suspicion that he had inadvertently started a fire in Torres del Paine National Park. Massive wildfire consumed tens of thousands of acres. Singer denied the claims.
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