Ra'am Election Bribery Case: Suspect Claims Envelopes Were for Charity
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Most suspects in the alleged Ra'am election bribery case were released by a Beersheba court, dealing a blow to the police investigation. One suspect, 'D', claimed cash envelopes were for mosque charity and voting slips were for voter assistance, not vote-buying. He also expressed feelings of alienation for Arab citizens. The police defended their investigation, while the case had been politically leveraged by the Prime Minister's office.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Most suspects in the alleged Ra'am election bribery case were released by the Beersheba Magistrate's Court.
- Suspect 'D' claimed cash envelopes were for mosque charity and voting slips were for voter assistance.
- The suspect 'D' stated that the investigation's handling made him feel Arab citizens have no future in Israel.
- The police defended their investigation, stating they are obligated to pursue all criminal information.
- The case was politically leveraged by the Prime Minister's office, who dubbed it "Ra'amgate."
A significant number of suspects in the alleged election bribery case involving Ra'am party activists have been released by the court. Judge Eran Tzabari of the Beersheba Magistrate's Court rejected the police's request to extend their detention, ordering the release of most individuals. The case centers on the suspicion that cash envelopes and voting slips found with some activists on election day were intended to buy votes.
One of the released suspects, identified as 'D', presented his defense during interrogation, claiming the money envelopes were for charitable donations from the mosque and that names were not recorded on them. He stated that the Islamic Movement, not Ra'am, was involved in the charity, asserting there was no connection between the two. Regarding the Ra'am voting slips found in his possession, 'D' explained he is a Ra'am activist and was showing illiterate individuals how to vote, denying any criminal intent.
'D' also recounted his arrest, describing being treated like a terrorist and feeling that Arab citizens have no future in Israel. He criticized the handling of the investigation, suggesting it would alienate Arab citizens from loyalty to the state, especially if originating from government offices. A police source, however, defended the investigation, stating they are obligated to examine all criminal information and are committed to uncovering the truth professionally while respecting suspects' rights.
The court's decision to release most suspects represents a setback for the police investigation. The Prime Minister's office had reportedly provided information leading to the probe, and the case was politically leveraged by Netanyahu's camp, who dubbed it "Ra'amgate." The judge noted that the investigation had not progressed significantly in several days, adding to the police's difficulties in the case.
Mentioned
