Tel Aviv Court Orders Inquiry Into Prisoner’s Claims of 36-Hour Food Deprivation in Espionage Case

The Tel Aviv District Court has instructed the Israel Prison Service to investigate allegations made by a defendant accused of espionage for Iran regarding his treatment during detention. The defendant, an Israeli citizen with prior military service in a classified unit, claims he was denied food for 36 hours and was not allowed to lay tefillin while in custody. He faces charges of contact with a foreign agent and attempting to pass information to benefit an enemy.

Judge Oded Maor noted that the defendant raised these complaints multiple times in court. Although the Prison Service previously stated no complaints were filed, the judge ruled that the claims warrant an initial inquiry. He emphasized that no determination has been made about the truth of the allegations, stating, "I do not rule whether the respondent’s complaints are true or false. These matters must be examined."

The judge underscored the obligation of authorities to treat detainees humanely and with dignity, regardless of the severity of the accusations. He condemned the alleged 36-hour food deprivation as unacceptable. The court ordered the Prison Service to report back within seven days and mandated that the defendant be allowed to lay tefillin daily and have phone contact with his lawyer.

Additionally, the defendant’s case has been referred for a probation service report, due by August 24, with the next hearing scheduled for August 25 at 11:30 a.m. The defendant’s identity and further case details remain confidential.