A “police official” quoted anonymously in the daily Yisrael HaYom reports that suspected Jewish terrorist Yaakov Teital is not responsible for the murder of two policemen in the Jordan Valley in addition to the other allegations against him.

According to reports, Teital is adhering to the instructions of his attorney, Adi Keidar, and he is not cooperating with police. The second suspect, Yosef Espinoza, is reportedly cooperating with investigators in the case.

Keidar expressed anger and frustration over the state’s actions, which he insists are stripping his client of his basic rights, holding Wednesday’s remand hearing behind closed doors. Keidar questioned how this is possible after the gag order on the case was lifted. The hearing was held, permitting the state to present its evidence, while Keidar and members of Teital’s family were not permitted in the courtroom.

The ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) presented its secret evidence, and the defense attorney was unable to act on behalf of his client. The state explained the prosecution fears that if Teital is permitted contact with others, he will use the opportunity to send a signal or a message which might compromise the ongoing police investigation.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)