Bereaved Family Demands Justice for Sound System Theft After October Massacre

Nearly three years after the horrific massacre at the Nova Festival, the family of Matan Mordechai Lior gathered at Be'er Sheva Magistrate's Court for a deeply emotional sentencing hearing. The three defendants stand accused of stealing and looting the sound system belonging to Matan, who was murdered during the attack, while his body lay lifeless at the scene. The theft occurred just two days after the massacre, in an area still designated a closed military zone, filled with blood and destruction.

The accused, Ram Shaheen (34), Daniel Hasson (30), and San Lucian Tabel (35), arrived with a large truck intending to steal Matan's unique sound system and generator, which he had invested his life and resources into through his business, Sound Fanatic. They deceived those present by claiming to collect equipment for a missing friend and later lied to police, falsely asserting business ties to Matan, which temporarily allowed the stolen goods to be released.

During the hearing, Matan's grieving parents, Sarah and Ofer, delivered heart-wrenching statements condemning the defendants' shameless actions. Sarah described the defendants as "forces of darkness" who exploited the chaos and horror of the massacre to rob their son's life's work. Ofer recounted tracking the stolen equipment via electronic chips during the shiva mourning period, emphasizing the cruelty of the theft amid their personal tragedy.

The prosecution highlighted the defendants' complete lack of humanity, urging the court to impose severe penalties to deter similar crimes during times of national emergency. Shaheen, convicted of theft and aggravated fraud after a full trial, faces up to seven years in prison. Hasson and Tabel, convicted through plea bargains of aiding theft and attempted fraud, face up to five and four years respectively, along with significant compensation to Matan's family.

Defense counsel attempted to downplay the severity, claiming intentions to return the equipment, but the judge rejected reopening the case facts and allowed the mother to fully express her grief. Sentencing is scheduled for October 7, marking the third anniversary of Matan's death, a date symbolizing his heroism and sacrifice during the massacre.