Israeli Lawyer and Four Others Arrested for Allegedly Coaching Minors to Give False Testimony

The Israeli police announced the arrest of a lawyer and four additional individuals on Tuesday afternoon, suspected of coaching minors to provide false testimony. The lawyer represents a defendant accused of serious security offenses in a case in Ramla. During ongoing proceedings at the Central District Court, while the defendant remains in custody, the lawyer approached investigators in May claiming to possess evidence that could exonerate her client. She submitted materials to the investigators, which were forwarded to the State Prosecutor's Office for review. Suspicion arose regarding the origin, manner of acquisition, and timing of the evidence, prompting the Central District Investigations Unit to launch a covert investigation.

The investigation's findings suggest that the lawyer, along with other suspects including the defendant's family members, contacted several minors and their parents in the central region. They allegedly attempted to persuade these minors to falsely testify that the defendant was with them at the time the offenses were committed, aiming to create an alibi and secure the defendant's acquittal. The suspects are accused of offering money and, in some cases, exerting pressure and threats to ensure cooperation.

Police stated that, based on the investigation's needs and findings, they intend to bring all suspects to a hearing at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court tomorrow to request an extension of their detention.