Israeli Court Extends Detention of Suspect in Threats and Vandalism Against Channel 12

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended the detention of Abraham Hadi by four days on Friday. Hadi is suspected of throwing a stone at Channel 12's offices and leaving a threatening letter at the scene. The police, who conducted a covert investigation leading to his arrest, also attribute to him multiple acts of property damage against media outlets and public figures. They requested a 12-day extension of his detention, but Judge Roy Perry granted only a partial extension.

During the hearing, police stated the latest incident occurred on July 28 at Channel 12's offices, where a stone and a threatening letter were found. The investigation covers several related events, and authorities fear that releasing Hadi could jeopardize ongoing inquiries. Police also searched his home. Hadi's lawyer, Eran Amerni, argued that his client is a protest activist whose alleged actions were nonviolent and aimed at expressing dissent, occurring mainly at night to avoid harming people. He emphasized that all evidence has been collected and that Hadi poses no risk of interfering with forensic tests, suggesting house arrest as an alternative.

Hadi, who has a severe limitation in his left hand due to implanted plates, denied the charges and claimed limited use of that hand. Judge Perry found reasonable suspicion for offenses including threats, intentional property damage, and obstruction of justice. He noted Hadi's prior conviction in October 2024 for assault and property damage, which heightens the risk of danger and investigation interference. However, the judge ordered only a four-day detention extension to allow verification of Hadi's disability claim.

This case follows a recent attack on Channel 12's entrance, where a threatening letter warned of further violence unless the station apologized for a specific report. Due to the severity, the Shin Bet security service has joined the investigation.