Tel Aviv Prosecutors Charge Man for Vandalizing News 12 and Threatening Media

The Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office filed charges Wednesday against Avraham Hadi, a 44-year-old resident of Ramat Gan, accusing him of a series of violent acts targeting major media outlets and judicial institutions. The indictment, submitted to the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court by attorney Ruth Barkali Dal, includes offenses such as extortion by threats, threats, malicious damage, property defacement, and obstruction of justice. Hadi allegedly acted from ideological motives against the judiciary and media organizations including News 12, Haaretz, and News 13, aiming to intimidate employees and extort apologies from News 12 staff over their coverage of the "Sde Teyman" affair.

In July, Hadi threw bricks at the glass doors of News 12, Haaretz, and the Ministry of Justice building in Tel Aviv during four separate incidents. Later that month, he returned to News 12 offices, left a threatening letter for employees, and threw two more bricks at the entrance door. He is also accused of spray-painting a threatening slur outside News 13 offices stating, "The blood of traitors is even more publicized." After these acts, Hadi allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by discarding the clothes he wore during the offenses into a trash bin.

Alongside the indictment, prosecutors requested Hadi's detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings, citing a "rapid and dangerous escalation" in his behavior that justifies continued custody. No response has yet been received from Hadi or his attorney.