‘Israeli’ charged after attacks on Haaretz, Channel 12 offices
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'Israeli' prosecutors are set to file charges against a 44-year-old Ramat Gan resident accused of carrying out a series of attacks targeting news organizations and government facilities.
The suspect, Avraham Hadi, faces charges including property damage and extortion by threat following a joint investigation by the 'Israel' Police and the Shin Bet security service, according to court documents.
Investigators linked Hadi to five separate vandalism incidents involving Channel 12 News, Haaretz, 'Israel' Hayom and a Justice Ministry building. Channel 12’s offices were reportedly targeted twice.
According to investigators, a masked individual threw a brick through the glass entrance doors of Channel 12’s Tel Aviv offices during an overnight attack and left a handwritten note threatening journalists and public officials.
The note reportedly demanded an apology over the network’s coverage of sexual abuse at the Sde Teiman facility and warned that a future attack could result in someone being killed.
Read more: New report reveals disturbing details of sexual assault at "Israel's" Sde Teiman prison
The note also named several public figures, including Yair Golan, Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and members of the Shin Bet’s Jewish Division.
Hadi was arrested after police searched his residence and recovered clothing and other items that investigators said matched surveillance footage from the reported attacks.
Hadi has denied the allegations. His defense attorney argued in court that Hadi has limited mobility in his left hand, which investigators believe was used to throw the brick shown in security footage, and questioned whether he was physically capable of carrying out the attack.
His defense team also described his previous political activism as protected democratic protest. Hadi had previously been arrested in connection with anti-court graffiti near Channel 13, the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court and IDF headquarters.
The 'Israel' Police said the attacks were intended to intimidate journalists and suppress press coverage.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and law enforcement will act forcefully against any attempt to intimidate or silence expression,” police said.
