New Details Emerge in Kidnapping Case of 10-Year-Old Yahli
A Jerusalem man, 19-year-old Yigal Buskila, had his arrest extended by three days on Monday as new details emerged in the suspected kidnapping of 10-year-old Yahli Sofer. This marks the fifth time Buskila's detention has been prolonged since his arrest. During a hearing at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, a police representative described the conditions in a shelter where Buskila allegedly held the child. According to the representative, Yahli cried in the shelter and asked to leave, but Buskila prevented him from doing so. The suspect reportedly does not deny the events.
Investigators have questioned Buskila again since the last hearing, and prosecutors have reviewed the case materials, directing police to conduct further investigations. These supplementary inquiries reportedly pertain to both the incident involving Yahli and other potential cases linked to Buskila. Despite the recent decision to release Buskila's name and photo, police confirmed no new complaints have been filed. The investigation is currently focused on three other suspected attempted kidnappings.
Buskila's defense attorney requested his release to house arrest, citing his client's difficult mental state and his mother's willingness to supervise him. The mother, who traveled from Jerusalem, stated her son has been living away from home for some time, occasionally visiting for money, and sleeping in shelters. However, the judge questioned her ability to effectively monitor him, given he doesn't reside at home and she has ten other children. The court ultimately denied the request for release at this stage.
While acknowledging that some investigative actions could proceed without Buskila's presence, the judge ruled against his release. The court also did not grant the police's request for an extension until Friday, opting instead for a three-day extension until Wednesday. The judge expects significant progress in the case by the next hearing, such as a statement of charges or an indictment, along with a request for continued detention until the proceedings conclude.
