"Just Because You’re a Hostage"
Suspect Who Assaulted Hostage Survivor Rom Braslavski Released to House Arrest
A Tel Aviv court has released the reservist accused of punching hostage survivor Rom Braslavski to house arrest. While the defense claims the survivor attacked first, the judge noted "reasonable suspicion" against the suspect amid clashing narratives.
The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Monday released the suspect accused of assaulting former hostage Rom Braslavski to house arrest until Friday, following a tense hearing that highlighted conflicting narratives regarding the Saturday night brawl.
The incident, which took place outside a private party on Rothschild Boulevard, has sparked public outrage. However, the courtroom debate focused on a "battle of versions" between the accuser and the accused.
According to the investigation, the altercation began when Braslavski and a friend were denied entry to the club. Breslavsky alleges that when they asked again to enter, the suspect emerged and launched an unprovoked attack.
"Suddenly two guys came out of the club... he came with the intention to fight," Braslavski recounted. He claims the suspect punched him in the face and told him: "Just because you're a hostage doesn't mean you can talk however you want."
However, defense attorneys Doron Noy and Tamir Senness presented a different story. They argued that Breslavsky and his friend were the aggressors who attacked the suspect first. The lawyers also highlighted their client's military record, noting he serves in an elite unit, has completed over 700 days of reserve duty since October 7, and was previously wounded in Gaza during operations to rescue hostages.
Despite the defense's claims, reports from the hearing suggest that security camera footage contradicts their version of events. The judge noted that there is "reasonable suspicion" of assault causing actual bodily harm.
"The mere fact of attacking a person who survived captivity is angering and outrageous," the judge wrote in the decision. "However, one must put emotion aside and pay attention to the facts presented before me."
Following the incident, Rom’s mother, Tami Braslavski, took to social media to call for greater sensitivity toward ex hostages battling invisible wounds.
"Those who returned to us may look like everything is fine, but they are going through storms inside," she wrote. "They are in severe PTSD... No one, not even me, can understand what they went through. I wish we could all rehabilitate and return to routine."
The police investigation is ongoing.