Hassidic Rabbi Suspected of Sexual Offenses Released to House Arrest
25 July, 2016 |
9 years ago
Jerusalem, 25 July, 2016 (TPS-IL) -- The Rishon LeZion Magistrates Court decided on Monday to release Rabbi Eliezer Berland to house arrest, despite the police request to extend his remand by four days.
Berland fled Israel in February, 2013 after the police began investigating allegations that he had sexually harassed and sexually assaulted several women. He was arrested on June 30 by South African authorities who had acceded to Israel’s extradition request, and was flown back to Israel where he was arrested the morning of July 19 at Ben-Gurion Airport.
Outside the court about a thousand followers demonstrated in solidarity with Berland. Some waved pictures of Berland or signs praising him as a righteous man.
The court delayed Berland’s release by 24 hours in order to permit the police to appeal the decision.
