Legal Aid Group Defends Security Coordinator Charged in West Bank Shooting
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
An indictment was filed against Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, a security coordinator from Itamar, for allegedly shooting at a Palestinian vehicle and severely injuring an 18-year-old woman. Ran claims he fired into the air after the vehicle attempted to ram him, while the indictment states he fired at the fleeing car. The Honenu organization is defending Ran, highlighting his extensive military service, commendations, and the recent death of his brother in combat.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Security coordinator Pinhas Shem Tov Ran indicted for shooting, injuring an 18-year-old woman.
- Ran claims he fired into the air after a car tried to ram him; indictment says he shot at the fleeing vehicle.
- The Honenu organization is defending Ran, citing his extensive military service and commendations.
- Ran's brother was killed on October 7th; he has over 600 days of reserve duty.
- Indictment includes charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice.
The Honenu organization has responded to the indictment of Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, a 37-year-old security coordinator from the Itamar settlement area, who is accused of shooting at a vehicle in the Palestinian village of Akraba, severely injuring an 18-year-old woman. Ran, represented by attorney Nati Rom of Honenu, claims the shots were fired into the air after a car with no license plates attempted to run him and another officer down. This contradicts the indictment, which alleges he fired at the fleeing vehicle with the intent to harm its occupants.
According to Honenu, Ran has an exemplary military record, including over 600 days of reserve duty since the start of the "Swords of Iron" war, participation in combat in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and commendations. The organization stated he was recognized as an outstanding security coordinator by the Samaria Brigade commander last September. Ran also experienced personal tragedy when his brother, Captain Or Yosef Ran, was killed in combat on October 7th.
Ran's account states he was traveling with another officer when a car without license plates rapidly approached them, appearing to attempt to ram them. They jumped aside, and Ran fired into the air to stop the vehicle, which then fled into the village. However, the indictment filed by the State Prosecutor's Office claims Ran entered Akraba, outside his jurisdiction, despite prior warnings. It alleges he fired at least three shots at the departing vehicle after it failed to stop, hitting the car and the young woman next to the driver, requiring surgery and hospitalization.
The indictment further accuses Ran of returning to the scene to collect the shell casings to obstruct justice and later denying knowledge of the incident to security forces. He faces charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice, with the prosecution seeking his detention until the end of proceedings. Honenu stated that letters of support from commanders and officers who served with Ran, detailing his operational service and continued reserve duty after his brother's death, were submitted to the court.
Mentioned
