Technicality Threatens Abuse Charges Against Israeli Daycare Operators
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Two women, Bracha Alon and her daughter Shani Bakar, accused of abusing toddlers at their Kfar Saba daycare, are fighting to have crucial video evidence against them disqualified. Their defense claims police obtained the footage without a warrant, which could lead to the dismissal of the indictment. Parents of the children expressed anger at the proceedings. The judge will decide on the admissibility of the evidence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Daycare owner Bracha Alon and her daughter Shani Bakar face charges of abusing toddlers.
- The defense seeks to disqualify video evidence, claiming it was obtained by police without a warrant.
- If the evidence is disqualified, the indictment against the two women may be canceled.
- Parents of the alleged victims expressed outrage at the potential dismissal of charges.
- The judge will rule on the admissibility of the video evidence in the ongoing trial.
The trial of two women accused of abusing toddlers at a daycare in Kfar Saba has reached a critical juncture, with the defense arguing that key evidence should be disqualified. Bracha Alon, the owner of "Bracha's Daycare," and her daughter Shani Bakar, an assistant there, face serious charges including assault of a minor by a caregiver and simple assault. The prosecution's case heavily relies on video footage from the daycare's security cameras.
The defense contends that the police obtained these crucial video recordings without a warrant, violating proper procedure. If the court agrees with this argument, the indictment against Alon and Bakar could be dismissed. The hearing at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Sunday marked the beginning of the evidence phase.
During the hearing, the defendants' attorney argued for the exclusion of the video evidence, stating the police accessed the cameras without a court order. Investigator Shimon Boaron testified, recalling that they initially believed they were acting under a warrant but later realized the footage was from an earlier period. He stated, "As far as I remember, we approached the court to obtain a warrant for the correct dates." The defense insists the warrant was not updated, necessitating the disqualification of the videos.
Parents of the affected children were present at the hearing, expressing outrage at the potential dismissal of the charges. "This is simply a disgrace. The videos show Bracha and Shani behaving violently towards our children, and now they want to cancel this. It's infuriating and must not happen. They must not escape the punishment they deserve," one mother stated.
Judge Gil Gabay will ultimately decide whether the video evidence is admissible or must be excluded. The alleged abuse incidents occurred in September 2020, with specific accusations including Bracha Alon hitting toddlers' hands, pulling a child's ear, and shaking an infant's head during feeding. Shani Bakar is accused of similar actions, including hitting a toddler's hand and forcefully shaking a baby in a playpen.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Right 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
