Psychiatrist: Teitel unfit to stand trial
Jewish terror suspect's current mental state may not allow for trial to proceed, Jerusalem District psychiatrist says; another opinion to be submitted later. For time being, Teitel to receive treatment, remain in hospital
Teitel is charged with the murder of two Arabs and attacks on Professor Zeev Sternhell, Arab individuals, and messianic Jews.
For the time being, Teitel will likely continue to receive treatment and remain hospitalized. A committee will be examining his state from time to time to determinate whether he is fit to stand trial.
Indicted on 14 counts
Notably, the opinion in question pertains to Teitel's current mental state and ability to stand trial now. The opinion does not refer to his mental state at the time of carrying out the offences he allegedly committed.
Teitel had been indicted in November 2009 on 14 different counts. The 37-year-old resident of the settlement of Shvut Rachel was indicted for the murder of Palestinian taxi driver, Samir Balbisi, in June 1997, and the murder of a Palestinian shepherd a few months later. He was also charged with laying an explosive device next to a Palestinian home near the West Bank settlement of Eli.
The indictment also charged that Teitel attempted to poison Palestinian residents of an isolated village near Eli. He was also indicted for attempting to murder Ami Ortiz, the son of a Messianic family living in Ariel, when he sent an explosive device disguised as a Purim gift to their home. In addition, he was charged with placing a bomb next to Prof. Zeev Sternhell's home.
