Mother of prime suspect in spy affair arrested
Police suspect mother of Fada Shaer, suspected of spying, aiding and abetting enemy was involved in Majdal Shams security affair. Majority of affair's details placed under gag order
Police on Monday arrested the mother of Fada Shaer, the prime suspect in the Majdal Shams espionage affair, on suspicion she was involved in events which are still subject to a gag order.
Investigators from the National Unit for International Crime arrested Muna Shaer early on Monday morning at her home in the northern Golan Heights and informed her of suspicions against her. She will be brought for a remand hearing at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court later on Monday.
This constitutes the fourth arrest since police began investigating the espionage affair.
Shaer, a 27-year-old musician, was arrested at the Ben Gurion Airport immediately after getting off a flight from France and is suspected of compromising state security by contacting a foreign agent and aiding and abetting the enemy.
Riots broke out in Majdal Shams following his arrest after police officers came to search his house and got trapped inside as an angry crowd gathered outside. The officers were eventually pulled out after an agreement had been reached with Druze dignitaries.
Majed Shaer, Fada's father was also arrested two weeks ago and is suspected of being involved in security offences. His lawyer, Attorney Nader Hanjar, said in response: "If the father is so dangerous, why didn't the police arrest him two days ago? Did something just come up? Did he do anything today?"
Following his son's arrest, Shaer said: "I am certain it will all turn out to be false and my son will come home." Both father and son deny allegations against them.
Fada's lawyer, Attorney Hanjar Nabi, said following a hearing at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, "The suspect is completely innocent. We cannot elaborate due to the gag order, but we believe it will all turn out to be a mistake."
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