Suspect in 10-Year-Old's Abduction Remains in Custody

A court in Petah Tikva extended the detention of a suspect in the abduction of 10-year-old Yahli by six days on Thursday. A gag order remains in effect on the suspect's identity and image until the next hearing. Police informed the court that a decision on whether the suspect harmed Yahli has not yet been made, as the child had difficulty recalling the incident during questioning by a child investigator. The investigation was paused at Yahli's request due to the emotional toll of the event and will resume when he is able. Other children who witnessed the beginning of the incident have not yet been interviewed.

Yahli's mother and the suspect's defense attorney, Frida Wall of the Public Defender's Office, were present at the hearing. Wall argued that police leaks to television channels violated the gag order, to which the police representative responded that some interviewees were not available during news hours, thus not constituting interference. Judge Erez Malmad ruled that the suspicion against the accused remains strong, citing his dangerousness, and extended the detention until September 8th to allow for further investigation.

Following the hearing, Wall stated that the suspect has severe life circumstances and complex psychological and cognitive issues, and expressed concern that a psychiatric evaluation ordered by the court had not yet been conducted. She urged the police to expedite the investigation while respecting the suspect's rights, especially given his disabilities.

Yahli was reported missing on Sunday afternoon and found early Monday morning. His mother recounted that the suspect initially threatened Yahli and his friends for money, causing them to flee. Yahli, feeling pity for the suspect who claimed to be homeless and penniless, stayed behind. The suspect then manipulated Yahli, using him to solicit donations, including a 100 shekel gift, before taking him on a bus to Bnei Brak.

Yahli was located through the suspect's phone tracking. A concerned citizen alerted the police after seeing posts about the missing child. Upon being found, Yahli told police the suspect instructed him to ask people for money. The suspect, however, claimed he met Yahli on the street and was trying to help him get home.