Assassination attempt against Tel Aviv attorney
Lawyer's car explodes in Tel Aviv. None injured. Lawyer considered fearless fighter against organized crime
Did criminals try to eliminate an attorney in Tel Aviv? A car belonging to a lawyer with the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office exploded on Thursday evening in Dafna Street.
The lawyer is considered a fearless prosecutor who handled heavy criminal cases against top tier crime bosses. Among others, he was in charge of a case against five men affiliated with Amir Mulner's crime group, and has also handled the case against Margalit Tzan'ani.
Related stories:
- Crime group chief involved in double homicide
- Car explodes in Tel Aviv; 9 hurt
- Jaffa: Police detain 20 suspected of organized crime
The sound of the blast echoed through the neighborhood and caused some panic. So far, no casualties were reported. Police are investigating suspicions that the explosion was caused by a charge planted in the car.
Police at the scene
In January 2013, not far from the same area, an assassination attempt against crime boss Nissim Alperon took place while he was driving a vehicle. According to eyewitnesses, a biker drew close to Alperon's vehicle mid-drive and attached an explosive charge which then detonated.
Alperon managed to escape unharmed.
The Justice Ministry issued a statement following the blast: "We stand by the law enforcement authorities who stand at the forefront of the battle against organized crime and in maintaining the rule of law. We're convinced this act will not deter law enforcement officers who do their duty so that Israeli law abiding citizens can live safely and without fear.
"Violence in general and against law enforcement in particular is something we will not abide. We're sure the police will act to find those responsible quickly so we can prosecute them in the quickest, most severe manner."
According to police, dozens of complaints have been filed by lawyers in the recent months, including complaints of threats, assaults, sexual harassments and more.
In September, Chairman of the Israel Bar Association Doron Barzilay, approached authorities on the matter, and police decided to nominate a special officer to address threats to attorneys.
Avi Himi, head of the national criminal forum, stressed that "lawyers pay the price of the public's economic pressure and perform as a social shield."
Rona Tal, Michal Margalit, Yoav Zitun and Gilad Morag contributed to this report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
