An emergency appeal was filed in court Monday demanding the release of security personnel arrested in Shomron, or at minimum a shortening of their detention, and immediate access to their lawyers. Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, backed the move and sharply criticised the handling of the case.
Arrest in Shomron
Demand to free Shomron security men
Emergency appeal filed for security personnel arrested in Shomron, calling for their release and immediate access to lawyers.
"I protest in the strongest terms this humiliating detention," Dagan said. "Denying a meeting with a lawyer is a draconian tool reserved for terrorists, not for those who serve and love the state. In the end we are all against violence toward the innocent, but anyone who knows these men is certain that is not the case here. These are dedicated security personnel who work day and night to protect residents and have saved many lives. Anyone who knows them knows they are serious and responsible people, and I am confident in their innocence."
"Beyond that, the arrest was carried out in their living rooms in front of their children, a traumatic experience that cannot be passed over in silence," he added. "Alongside the need to investigate the suspicions, the basic rights of the detainees and the dignity of their families must be protected. I call for them to be allowed to meet with a lawyer immediately."
Attorneys Nati Rom and Asaf Gonen of Honenu, representing the detainees, said following the filing of the appeal: "This is an escalation in the use of draconian tools against the best of our young men. We will fight with every tool at our disposal, because the case is not as it appears."
