Jerusalem Court Considers Releasing Murder Suspects to House Arrest

The Jerusalem District Court ruled that there is insufficient evidence to support murder charges against Agam Zarfati and Shilat Huta, who are accused of involvement in the murder of Benayahu Razi. However, the court found that there is sufficient evidence to charge them with aiding and abetting murder. Consequently, Zarfati and Huta 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, when their continued detention will be re-evaluated. The murder of 19-year-old Benayahu Razi occurred in July at an Airbnb apartment in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Indictments were filed in August against seven individuals involved, including Zarfati, Razi's former girlfriend, and Huta. Five other individuals, including Linor Sasson, Avi'or Sasson, and three minors whose names are suppressed, are also charged in the case.

Dekla Razi, Benayahu Razi'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. "Even a positive probation report should not lead to alternative detention in a proper country," she stated, adding that "they are a danger to the public and the bad infection must be behind bars to protect the entire society from them."

Zarfati's defense attorneys, Roy Politi and Omri Stern, welcomed the court's decision, stating that they had argued all along that Zarfati was not involved in planning the murder and did not wish for the victim's death. They also claimed that Zarfati has been subjected to harsh and humiliating treatment by the prison service since her arrest and expressed hope for her release and fair treatment.