The Supreme Court on Thursday 16 Elul heard a petition on behalf of the convicted Holyland defendants who are seeking to delay beginning their jail terms pending the outcome of their Supreme Court appeal. The convicted defendants are appealing the District Court rulings in the hope the nation’s highest court will overturn the verdicts.

The defendants petitioned the High Court of Justice to permit them to remain free until the appeals are heard, a process that may take years. They were scheduled to enter prison on September 1st but they were permitted to delay this until the court rules on this petition.

The court on Thursday announced the verdict on the petition would be announced on Monday 20 Elul. If the court turns down the petition, they defendants will likely be compelled to enter prison immediately.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)