Israeli Prison Officer Denies Romantic Ties or Assistance to Murder Suspect in Beniho Razi Case

A prison officer suspected of aiding the main suspect in the murder of Beniho Razi has vehemently denied any romantic or physical relationship with the suspect's brother, Rotem Hodida, or involvement in assisting the fugitive suspect, Aviaor Shason. In her police interrogation, she initially mentioned being "in love" with Hodida, but now clarifies that her feelings were misinterpreted and stemmed from empathy for his difficult family situation rather than romance. She strongly refutes claims that she kissed Hodida multiple times in her office, calling those allegations false and taken out of context by investigators.

The officer also explained that her interactions with Hodida were directed by prison intelligence as part of her official duties as a department commander, emphasizing she advocated for his welfare and rehabilitation. She noted a previous investigation into a similar suspicion involving another detainee ended with no findings. Regarding her communication with Linor Shason, mother of both Hodida and the murder suspect, she said it was professional and related to legal document handling.

She firmly denied any involvement in obstructing the murder investigation or aiding Aviaor Shason while he was on the run, stating she encouraged Hodida to persuade his brother to surrender. The officer described her arrest as humiliating, conducted publicly in front of staff and inmates she supervised, and criticized the media portrayal of her as a "cheap officer" involved in a scandalous affair. She expressed frustration over the damage to her reputation and insisted she cooperated fully with investigators from the start.

The officer concluded by saying she wants to clarify her side of the story after enduring public humiliation and false accusations, recalling a police investigator's remark that she was "a small stone in the path" but that authorities would reach all involved in the case. The murder of Beniho Razi remains under investigation, with the suspect Aviaor Shason in custody.