An Israel Prison Authority parole board has agreed to a request from attorneys of Rabbi Eliezer Berland, releasing him from prison to house arrest to permit him to receive medical treatment under house arrest.

In a plea bargain agreement, the rabbi five months ago, was convicted of assault and he accepted an 18-month prison term. Due to his illness, he has been receiving treatment in a prison hospital in Ramle and on Sunday, 6 Nissan, his request to be released on medical grounds was granted, provided he remain under house arrest. A private security company will monitor the house arrest at the rabbi’s expense.

The decision of the parole board also stipulated that Rabbi Berland must take the necessary measures to ensure that no harm comes to anyone who complained against him.

The prosecution has asked to place the release on hold to permit time to decide if it wishes to file an appeal.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)