Lawyer who tried to frame rightists indicted

Attorney Gur Finkelstein, members of Bakher family charged with attempted murder, line of other charges. Defendants allegedly tried to plant explosive device at Hassan Bek Mosque

Naama Cohen-Friedman|Published: 05.19.11 , 11:22

Attorney Gur Finkelstein and five members of the Bakher family have been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery on Thursday. The Tel Aviv District Court extended their remand pending future ruling.

The State Prosecutor's Office claims that Finkelstein and several members of the Bakher family have spent the last year planning various criminal acts, including a plan to target the new scientology center in Jaffa and an attempt to hurt Tel Aviv Municipality's construction control chief. They also tried to murder Finkelstein's ex-wife's partner, according to the indictment.

Finkelstein and his attorney at court (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Earlier this week, it was reported that police uncovered a plot by the defendants to set off an explosive device at the Hassan Bek Mosque in Jaffa and make it appear like an extreme right price tag operation. The device was discovered mere hours before it was meant to be set.

The operation, dubbed "Violet Wreath," has been said to unearth a plot "stunning in its scope, sophistication and far-reaching ramifications," police sources said Tuesday.