Three Teenagers Accused in Yimno Zalaka Murder Released to House Arrest in Petah Tikva
Three teenagers charged with the murder of Yimno Zalaka on Israel's Independence Day in Petah Tikva were released to house arrest on Friday. The court approved alternative detention measures based on probation service recommendations and prior rulings in the case. A prosecutor representing one of the accused minors, charged with assault and causing grievous harm, stated he was not present at the scene for two hours and was unaware that Zalaka had been stabbed. The prosecution confirmed it will not appeal the release, emphasizing that the minor did not know about the stabbing plan or the presence of a knife and arrived after the incident began, attempting to help a friend who was being attacked.
About two months ago, indictments were filed against the main suspect for Zalaka's murder and 15 other minors, mostly aged 14 to 16, accused of aggravated assault. Some face additional charges including threats, obstruction of justice, evidence destruction, and joint assault. The prosecution described the suspects as extremely dangerous, having brutally attacked Zalaka, who was stabbed over a minor dispute while trying to maintain order at his workplace.
The indictments, submitted by Central District prosecutors Einat Lev Ari and Ran Biran, detail how the minors gathered for Independence Day celebrations and sprayed snow spray at several girls. One girl, chased by the group, sought refuge in a Pizza Hut branch covered in the spray. Three members followed, sprayed her again, and dirtied the floor and counter. Employees, including Zalaka, asked them to leave. Zalaka escorted them out, leading to a heated argument with curses, joined by the main suspect and others, while two other Pizza Hut workers tried to calm the situation.
The prosecution stressed the seriousness of the violence and the importance of combating youth violence, noting that indictments for serious offenses and detention requests have been filed against all minors. The main suspect faces potential life imprisonment for murder, while the others face heavy prison sentences. Authorities pledged to pursue full legal accountability.
