A Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court judge on Thursday ordered the release to house arrest of a driver accused of brandishing a handgun at chareidi protesters during Wednesday’s vehicle protest, a decision that drew sharp criticism from chareidi political leaders and protest organizers.

The incident occurred during one of the demonstrations in which protesters blocked roadways to protest the arrest of bnei Torah. Organizers noted that the demonstration had been coordinated with and approved by police.

According to reports, Magistrate Judge Ariel Ehrlich also criticized police in his ruling, pointing to what he described as the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.

In his decision, Judge Ehrlich wrote: “The circumstances of the incident are unique. The alleged offense occurred in a situation of tension and panic, while law enforcement authorities were not providing a response. The roadblock created a serious hazard, which in itself posed significant danger to the public.”

The judge’s remarks came despite the fact that the demonstration had received prior police authorization.

Shas MK Meir Porush sharply condemned the ruling, arguing that it sends a dangerous message to the chareidi community.

“The release from custody of a person who drew a handgun toward participants in yesterday’s protest is, in essence, a message that the blood of the chareidi public has been deemed permissible.

“There is no doubt that Judge Ehrlich’s approach is influenced by the outlook of Justice Solberg, Attorney General Baharav-Miara, and Police Commissioner Levy, an outlook that has filtered down to the so-called ‘gatekeepers’—the judges and the police officers.

“We all saw on camera last week how police officers, who are supposedly ‘gatekeepers,’ beat chareidim until they bled.

“There is serious concern that officials within the Justice Ministry, who are also called ‘gatekeepers,’ act with the same malice, only behind robes, neckties, and closed doors without cameras.

“Sadly, all of these people are called ‘gatekeepers,’ yet among them are those whose hatred of lomdei Torah leads them to harm the chareidi public—whether through physical violence, judicial decisions, or by abandoning their safety.”

The incident took place during the vehicle protest on Route 1, the main highway connecting Yerushalayim and Tel Aviv. According to protest organizers, one of the drivers allegedly drew a handgun while approaching a group of chareidi demonstrators standing on the roadway.

Video released by protest organizers appeared to show the driver moving slowly in his vehicle while holding what appeared to be a handgun pointed in the direction of several protesters.

Protest organizers described the incident as “a threat of murder” and called on police “to act immediately against those inciting and carrying out violence. Enough with the violence.”

No shots were fired during the incident.

Police later announced the driver’s arrest. Following Thursday’s court hearing, however, the suspect was released to house arrest pending further proceedings.

{Matzav.com}