It is now permitted to report that two juveniles were recently arrested following an undercover investigation into so-called price tag attacks. The youths, residents of Jerusalem, have been released and they are facing charges of setting a car ablaze in Um Tuba and then leaving graffiti in the area.

Their Honenu attorney reports they were released following a difficult arrest and prolonged interrogation.

The gag order was lifted as the arrests were made about ten days earlier. The two deny any relation to the attack. Authorities point out that the attack occurred during the ongoing terror wave and authorities theorize the attack was in retaliation to the terror. One of the suspects was released last week and the second on Tuesday, 19 Kislev.

Attorney David Halevy explains “Once again we see a case that began with enormous self-confidence and bombastic police declarations and ending in nothing. The two deny any connection to the harsh charges and underwent harsh interrogations amid total disregard for their basic rights. We hope the lessons will be learned and that the courts will be cautious and not become a rubber stamp on the investigating authorities, even if the crimes are called ‘price tag’”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)