Lover from hell. Illustration photo
Photo: Sebastian Shiner
Disgruntled lover threatens family of girl who refused to marry him
Haifa District Prosecution files Indictment against young man who harassed family of girl after she turned down his marriage proposal; defendant accused of violating restraining order, attempting to shoot girl's brother, friends
An indictment filed Monday with the Haifa District Court revealed a series of harassments, threats and even a shooting incident against the family of a young woman who dared say "no" to a frustrated lover.
The story began two years ago, when Muhammad Khaled Shlata, 24, from the Western Galilee village of Arraba fell in love with a 14-year-old girl from his village. Shlata requested the girl's hand in marriage, however she declined. The stubborn suitor, who did not give up easily, decided to make her life miserable.
According to the indictment filed by the Haifa District Prosecution. "the defendant harassed the minor and her family, sending them messages stating that if she refused to marry him – he will hurt her or one of her family members, and even might kidnap her."
The defendant was charged with a series of offences, among them possession of weapons, opening fire in a residential area and grievous bodily harm.
Two weeks ago, the family turned to the Akko Magistrate's Court and issued a restraining order against Shlata. The judges forbade the defendant to come in contact with the young girl, hassle or threaten her; however the harassments did not stop.
The same day the restraining order was issued, Shlata took possession of a handgun and opened fire at the young girl's brother and his friends, who were traveling inside a vehicle. Later that day, Shlata opened fire at another man – the brother of one of the young men that were in the vehicle – who came to talk to him about the "conflict". In both cases, there were no injuries.
The prosecution requested to extend Shlata's remand until the completion of proceedings.
