Prosecutors Appeal Release of Haim Rotter Accused of Minor Rapes in Bnei Brak

The Tel Aviv District Court ordered the release of Haim Rotter to house arrest with electronic monitoring in Safed, nearly a year after his arrest and indictment on serious charges of raping minors. The decision came after victims testified in court, but the prosecution opposed the release and filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. The court delayed implementing the release until 10:00 a.m. the following day pending the appeal.

The prosecution argued that the supervision conditions were insufficient and expressed concern that Rotter could not be properly monitored. They also noted that the family members assigned to oversee him during house arrest could not guarantee strict enforcement of the release terms. One victim, who testified but is not among the official complainants, warned the court about Rotter’s power, connections, and danger, fearing for his safety and that of others in the neighborhood where Rotter would be confined.

Rotter, a former leader of the "Shomrim" organization in Bnei Brak for about 15 years, is accused of rape and indecent acts against minors. The indictment alleges he exploited his public status and influence within the community from 2009 to 2024 to commit sexual offenses against complainants. He was arrested in July 2025 upon returning to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport following multiple complaints.

Known as the "Sheriff of Bnei Brak," Rotter allegedly used his authority in the ultra-Orthodox community to gain victims’ trust and sexually abuse them in a systematic manner. The prosecution demands that he remain in custody until the end of legal proceedings to prevent potential flight or further harm to victims.