Prosecutors Appeal Lenient Sentences in Violent Robbery of Elderly Woman
The State Prosecutor's Office has appealed the sentences handed down to two men convicted of a violent, pre-planned robbery of 78-year-old Sarah in Ramat Gan in January 2025. The prosecution argues that the sentences of 76 months for Jasan Rimawi and 70 months for Mahmoud Almasri are too lenient and do not reflect the severity of the crime or the profound psychological damage inflicted on the victim.
According to the indictment, the robbery was meticulously planned, with one perpetrator posing as a municipal worker to gain entry. Once inside, Sarah was pushed to the floor, bound, and dragged to the basement while the robbers searched for a safe. Almasri, who remained in the getaway car, directed the operation via phone, even reprimanding his accomplices for not bringing duct tape to silence Sarah. The robbers stole cash, credit cards, identification, antique flutes, and a watch, causing Sarah significant emotional distress.
Sarah recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing being beaten and threatened with death. She was left bound in the basement for an extended period, fearing for her life. The court had previously determined that Almasri was the "planner and director" and Rimawi the "main perpetrator." The robbery left Sarah with physical injuries, including a cut lip and bruises, and led to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, severe anxiety, and a lasting loss of security.
The prosecution's appeal focuses on the perceived leniency of the sentences, particularly given Rimawi's prior convictions for violent offenses, including robbery. They argue that the sentences do not adequately reflect his dangerousness or the lack of deterrence from previous punishments. The state is seeking significantly harsher sentences, contending that the violence was an integral part of the plan and that the crime against a vulnerable elderly woman warrants a severe penalty.
The defense, however, highlighted that both men confessed, took responsibility, and cooperated with investigators. They also emphasized that Almasri did not physically enter the home or commit violence directly, while Rimawi's defense pointed to his remorse and cooperation. The prosecution, in turn, argues that the court erred in considering factors like guilty pleas and judicial efficiency when determining the sentencing range, asserting these should only influence the sentence within the established range. The appeal for Rimawi is scheduled for December 21, 2026.
