An indictment was handed down against 48-year-old Beersheva resident Tzion Vaknin, who last week tossed a hot cup of tea at MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi while the latter was visiting the area.

Tibi was in the south to support a Bedouin protest on Thursday, 16 Teves 5774 when the hot tea was thrown on him. Vaknin is charged with assaulting a public servant.

The suspect admitted to his actions during the remand hearing and he was ordered held without bail. A brother of the suspect who was present at the hearing explained Tzion has mental issues and he was imprisoned some 20 years ago for criminal activity resulting from his mental status and difficult economic status.

The brother calls on the state of assist Tzion because he is not responsible for his actions. The court accepted the statements made by the brother and ordered sending Tzion for psychological evaluation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)