Tel Aviv Court Orders Prison to Allow Spy Suspect to Wear Tefillin Amid Rights Concerns

The Tel Aviv District Court instructed the Israel Prison Service (IPS) to permit a suspect in an espionage case involving Iran to wear tefillin daily, following claims that he had been prevented from doing so. Judge Oded Maor emphasized the importance of allowing the religious practice until sunset and on a regular basis. The court also requested that the IPS enable the suspect to have one phone call with his defense attorney and investigate additional complaints regarding his treatment during transfer and detention.

The suspect alleged he was denied food for 36 hours, a claim the judge described as unacceptable for any detainee. While not ruling on the veracity of the allegations, Judge Maor stressed that detention restricts liberty but does not strip detainees of basic rights, and conditions of detention must not serve as punishment or humiliation, even for serious charges.

The IPS had previously denied knowledge of any complaints, but the court found the suspect’s repeated statements in court warranted investigation. The IPS was ordered to report back within seven days. A probation service report is also due by August 24, with the next hearing scheduled for August 25 at 11:30 a.m.

The suspect, an Israeli citizen who served in a classified military unit, faces charges of contact with a foreign agent and attempting to pass information to the enemy. Investigations revealed he communicated with someone claiming to be Iranian intelligence and was asked to assist in recruiting soldiers. His lawyer, Nati Rom, described the case as a "lack of caution" and an "ill-conceived joke" without malicious intent. The suspect’s identity and further details remain under gag order.