Two Teenagers Indicted for Extortion and Threats at Beersheba Kiosk

The Southern District Prosecutor's Office filed charges on Monday against two 18-year-olds from Beersheba, Muhammad Abu Jaafar and Anas Abu Asa, for extorting protection money from a local kiosk. According to the indictment submitted to the Beersheba District Court by attorney Idan Ivgi, Abu Jaafar approached a kiosk employee in April, claiming to be responsible for security in the area and demanding weekly payments under threat of arson. Fearing damage, the employee paid approximately 4,000 shekels in four installments from the business funds. Abu Jaafar also took products without paying on several occasions, with the employee too intimidated to demand payment.

In June, Abu Jaafar returned demanding more money, and when the employee said he had none, he threatened that no one would help until payment was made. Shortly after, Abu Asa arrived, joined the demand, and confronted the employee's stepfather, who was trying to understand the situation. After being removed, Abu Asa threatened to return. Later that day, Abu Jaafar admitted to the victims that they were collecting protection money, leading to a fight. Abu Asa and another individual allegedly came to attack the victims, with the third person threatening one victim with a knife.

The indictment charges both defendants with extortion, and Abu Asa also faces aggravated assault charges. The investigation was conducted by the Negev District Unit and Beersheba Police Station. The case highlights ongoing issues with protection rackets in the city.