Jerusalem Court Acquits Yona Schreiber of Nun Assault Due to Psychosis

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court acquitted Yona Schreiber on Wednesday of charges related to the assault of a Christian nun in Jerusalem's Old City. The court accepted the psychiatric evaluation from the district psychiatrist, which concluded that Schreiber was in a psychotic state at the time of the incident and therefore not responsible for his actions. Schreiber faced charges of assault causing serious injury motivated by hostility toward the public and simple assault. The court noted that, based on precedent, when a defendant is found not responsible due to mental incapacity, proceedings must be discontinued and the defendant acquitted if conditions are met.

The court determined that while there was evidence proving Schreiber committed the act, he lacked the necessary mental intent, granting him the defense of insanity under Section 34h of the Penal Code. Consequently, Schreiber was acquitted but ordered to be hospitalized for up to six years starting August 24, 2026, reflecting the maximum period for the most serious offense he was found to have committed. The psychiatric committee was authorized to shorten his hospitalization period based on professional judgment, with any such decision requiring notification to both the prosecution and defense counsel.