Lawyer Claims Prison Footage of Client Released by National Security Minister's Office

The lawyer for Agam Zarfati, who is accused of involvement in the murder of Bnei-Yah Raz, claimed Thursday that video footage of his client in detention was "distributed from Minister Ben-Gvir's office and this is a political matter." Roy Polit, Zarfati's attorney, made the assertion during a hearing responding to the indictment against Zarfati and another defendant, Shilat Huta. Polit also described harsh conditions during a recent search of Zarfati's cell, stating she was "thrown on the floor, dragged in shorts, bent over like terrorists, and filmed."

Polit warned that the next step might be inciting other prisoners against his client, adding, "If this continues, my client will have no one to judge." He announced plans to file a civil lawsuit, reiterating that the video release was political and originated from the minister's office. Following the video's circulation, the Public Defender's office petitioned the Tel Aviv District Court for a hearing and an injunction against the Israel Prison Service, citing a "blatant violation of the privacy protection law and a severe blow to the right to a fair trial for a detainee not yet convicted."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had previously shared the footage on social media, stating, "In my policy, murderers will not celebrate in prison!" He praised the Prison Service, expressing pride in the officers' actions. The attorney representing Bnei-Yah Raz's family responded to the video, calling the attempt to generate sympathy for the accused "distorted headlines" and emphasizing that Raz and his family are the sole victims in the case.

Last month, indictments were filed against seven suspects in the murder of Bnei-Yah Raz in Jerusalem. The indictment alleges that the main suspect, Avi'or Sasson, and another unidentified individual stabbed Raz, leading to his death. The motive is reported to be a dispute between Raz and his girlfriend, Agam Zarfati. The indictment details that Zarfati and Huta rented an Airbnb where Raz and a friend were invited. A fight ensued, after which Zarfati and Huta left, claiming Raz had been violent. They then allegedly met with Sasson's mother and other minors, stating their intention to "finish him." The group then armed themselves with various weapons, including knives, a collapsible baton, an ice pick, razor blades, and a hammer, before luring Raz and his friend back to the apartment for a planned violent assault.