Two 17-year-old Jewish teenagers who were arrested in Greece after sheltering Israeli tourists fleeing an anti-Israel mob have been released and allowed to return home. However, despite their release, Greek authorities have ordered them to return to Greece in November as legal proceedings against them continue, according to a report by Mako.

The two teenagers, identified as Liam and Yonatan, were vacationing in the resort town of Malia about two weeks ago when violence erupted after a group of Israelis left a local nightclub and became involved in a confrontation with individuals who reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” at them. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants chased the Israelis and followed them into their hotel.

As the chaos unfolded, Liam and Yonatan were awakened by Israeli tourists calling for help in the hallway. They opened the door to their hotel room and allowed the fleeing Israelis inside. The attackers then allegedly attempted to force their way into the room and threw objects at the door but were unable to break in. During the incident, cries of “They’re killing us, help us” could be heard, while a lone security guard was unable to bring the situation under control. Local police reportedly arrived only after a delay.

The following morning, the two teenagers were arrested after a hotel housekeeper discovered an axe inside their room. The teens maintain that one of the Israelis they had sheltered brought the axe into the room after taking it from the hotel corridor, intending to use it for self-defense if necessary.

Attorney Nir Yasselovich, who specializes in criminal and international law, later appealed to Israel’s Foreign Ministry to intervene in the case. He argued that continuing the prosecution of the two teenagers could embolden those responsible for the attack and encourage further violence against Israelis and Jews.

According to the attorney, the teenagers were questioned without a translator despite requesting Hebrew interpretation and were required to sign a document written entirely in Greek. In addition, Yonatan reportedly complained during questioning that he was feeling unwell and requested medical treatment, but said his request was ignored.

The teenagers were ultimately released after investigators found no fingerprints belonging to either of them on the axe, concluding that they had no direct or indirect connection to the weapon. Nevertheless, Greek authorities have instructed them to return to the country in November for the next stage of the legal proceedings.

{Matzav.com}