Jerusalem Court Considers Releasing Murder Suspects to House Arrest

By ענבר טויזר

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

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Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

The Jerusalem District Court has determined there is insufficient evidence to charge Agam Zarfati and Shilat Huta with murder, but sufficient evidence for aiding and abetting the murder of Benayahu Raz. The court will consider releasing them to alternative detention after a probation service assessment, with a hearing set for November 22. The victim's mother condemned the decision, while the defendants' lawyers stated the court accepted their arguments that Zarfati was not involved in planning the murder.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Jerusalem court found insufficient evidence to charge Agam Zarfati and Shilat Huta with murder.
The court found sufficient evidence to charge the two women with aiding and abetting murder.
Zarfati and Huta will be assessed for release to alternative detention, with a hearing on November 22.
Benayahu Raz, 19, was murdered in July in Jerusalem's Nachlaot neighborhood.
The victim's mother called the court's decision "outrageous, illogical, and immoral."
Zarfati's lawyers stated the court accepted their arguments that she did not plan the murder.

Jerusalem Court Considers Releasing Murder Suspects to House Arrest — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Jerusalem District Court ruled that there is insufficient evidence to charge Agam Zarfati and Shilat Huta with murder in the killing of Benayahu Raz. However, the court found that there is sufficient evidence to charge them with aiding and abetting murder. The two defendants have been referred for a probation service assessment to explore the possibility of their release to alternative detention, such as house arrest. A further hearing on their case is scheduled for November 22.

Benayahu Raz, 19, was murdered in July in an Airbnb apartment in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. According to the indictments filed, four minors allegedly attacked Raz and his friend, who was also injured, with knives. One of the stab wounds proved fatal.

Zarfati, Raz's former girlfriend, is suspected of ordering the murder. Huta is also accused of involvement. In August, indictments were filed against seven individuals involved in the case, including Zarfati, Huta, Linor Sasson, Avi'or Sasson, and three minors whose names are withheld from publication.

Dekla Raz, Benayahu's mother, strongly criticized the court's decision, calling it "outrageous, illogical, and immoral." She argued that Zarfati and Huta pose a danger to the public and should remain incarcerated. The defense attorneys for Zarfati stated that the court accepted their arguments that she was not involved in planning the murder and did not desire the victim's death. They also claimed Zarfati has suffered harsh treatment in prison and expressed hope for her release to alternative detention and fair treatment.