Court Frees Doctor in Negev Election Bribery Probe, Citing Weakening Evidence

A Beersheba Magistrate's Court ordered the conditional release of a doctor arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged election bribery in the Negev region. The police had sought to extend his detention for six days and prohibit his internet access, but the court denied these requests. The release, under restrictive conditions, was agreed upon by the police. The judge stated that the investigation's evidence against the doctor had weakened since the previous detention hearing and that he leads a normal life. The court found no sufficient explanation for restricting his internet use, especially given his work relies on it.

The judge also noted the progress in the investigation and the release of other individuals involved in the case. He determined there was no justification for the doctor's continued detention or house arrest. Separately, the court ordered another suspect in the case to be released to house arrest, despite police requests for an eight-day extension. The judge found no significant progress in the investigation concerning this suspect, who had cooperated and provided his account. The suspicion against him had not strengthened and had diminished over time.

The police requested a delay in the release order. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the suspicions but found no grounds for continued detention, stating the investigation could proceed with the suspect under house arrest. He noted the suspect's explanation was plausible and that the investigation had not uncovered the level of sophistication or activity described in media reports.

The suspect denied any involvement, claiming the case was a political persecution and that police received "instructions from above." During the hearing, sharp criticism was leveled against the police's conduct and the doctor's arrest. It was argued the doctor merely organized home gatherings and met with residents to encourage voting, with no evidence of distributing money or envelopes. One statement during the hearing asserted, "This man simply held home meetings, went from house to house explaining why it's important to vote. We should be proud of him." Further claims described the arrest as scandalous and unjust, stating, "They wronged him. There is no reason to send him to house arrest. Disgrace, shame, and disgrace."