Kidnapping Suspect Held as Child Victim Suffers Speech Loss

A court in Petah Tikva has extended the detention of a suspect accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old boy, Yahli, an incident that has reportedly left the child unable to speak. The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court ordered the suspect to remain in custody for an additional six days on Thursday, September 3rd. The court also maintained a gag order preventing the publication of the suspect's name or any identifying details, according to the Ynet news portal.

Police stated that it is currently unclear if the child sustained physical harm. During an interrogation with a specialist in child welfare, Yahli struggled to recount the events, with police noting, "The interrogation was interrupted at the child's request, as it was difficult for him to continue due to the severity of what happened. The interrogation will continue later when the child feels he can speak with the investigator." Other children who witnessed the initial events have not yet been interrogated, and a date for their interviews has not been set.

The suspect's lawyer, Frida Vol, from the Public Defender's Office, argued against the release of interrogation materials to the media, reminding the court of the existing publication ban. The boy's mother and a relative of the suspect were present at the hearing. Judge Erez Malamed ruled that the suspicions against the detainee remain serious and that his continued detention is justified due to a potential danger to the public.

The court extended the suspect's arrest until September 8th to allow for further investigation, though police had requested a longer period. Footage shows the boy playing with friends shortly before boarding a bus to Bnei Brak. He was accompanied by a 20-year-old man from Jerusalem whom he did not know. The boy was later found in Bnei Brak with the stranger and returned to his family after the man was apprehended. Police suspect the man transported the child out of his hometown.