Israeli Court Orders Detention of Teen Accused of Killing Yemnu Zalaka

The Lod District Court has reversed an earlier decision and ordered the detention of the young suspect accused of murdering Yemnu Zalaka until the conclusion of legal proceedings. The court found prima facie evidence supporting the charges against him. Zalaka's family welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the case's significance and their hope for thorough law enforcement and justice. Earlier this month, the court had released the suspect to house arrest, considering his young age and after more than two months in custody, along with two other minors involved in the case.

The incident occurred at a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, where Zalaka worked. According to the indictment, a group of minors sprayed snow spray at girls and caused disorder inside the restaurant. Zalaka and other employees asked them to leave, and he escorted them outside. The situation escalated into a violent attack, during which the group assaulted Zalaka with punches, kicks, and snow spray canisters. One of the minors then stabbed him in the groin. Zalaka was critically injured and died the next day at Beilinson Hospital.

The case has drawn significant public attention, especially as it unfolded around Israel's Independence Day. Zalaka's family described the murder case as foundational and of high public importance, vowing to continue seeking full justice in his memory and for society at large.