Man threatens to set self on fire in front of minister's residence
Herzliya resident calls office of Economy Minister Bennet, says will set himself on fire outside Bennet's house due to heavy fines he was forced to pay. Suspect turns self in to police, citing misunderstanding; 'did not intend to threaten anyone', lawyer says
A Herzliya resident, 32, turned himself in to police on Thursday and was questioned for suspicion of threatening to kill himself in front of the house of Economy Minister Naftali Bennett.
The suspect has allegedly called the minister's office earlier this week and told an office representative that he was going to set himself on fire in front of the minister's residence.
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Reportedly, the suspect's threats were in response to accumulating fines he was required to pay for a business he owns.
On Thursday, however, the suspect turned himself in, citing misunderstanding. "Things went out of context," the suspect's attorney said. "My client did not intend to threaten or scare anyone."
Nevertheless, the lawyer added, the fine his client was forced to pay was "disproportional" to the offense for which it was given.
Minister Bennett returned from a visit to the US shortly after the suspect had turned himself in.
Following the threat, it was decided to bolster security in the minister's residence.
On July 2012, Moshe Silman had set himself on fire – due to devastating financial constraints – during a social protest in Tel Aviv.
Moran Azulay contributed to this report
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