A yeshiva bochur who reported to a police station Monday to provide testimony in an unrelated investigation was arrested by Military Police moments after leaving the building, prompting sharp criticism from chareidi activists, who say the incident circumvented standing police policy regarding draft evaders.

According to the report, Moshe Steiner, a resident of Bnei Brak who learns in a yeshiva in Beis Meir, was summoned to the offices of Lahav 433 to give testimony. After investigators questioned him, he was informed that the interview had concluded and that he was free to leave.

However, as Steiner exited the station and entered the parking lot, Military Police officers who had reportedly been waiting outside detained him on allegations that he is classified as a draft evader.

The arrest has sparked outrage among activists involved in issues related to the military draft, who argue that the operation amounted to an indirect circumvention of an existing directive issued by Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy.

Under that directive, chareidi draft evaders who come to police stations for routine civilian services or to provide testimony are not to be arrested, in order to avoid discouraging members of the public from cooperating with law enforcement.

In this case, critics contend that although police technically did not hand Steiner over while he was inside the station, the planned arrest waiting outside produced the exact same result. Sources involved in the matter said that the operation effectively made “a mockery of the police commissioner’s directive.”

According to those handling the case, Steiner is the first yeshiva bochur classified as a draft evader to be arrested since the start of Bein Hazemanim.

Activists said they intend to pursue the matter with the appropriate authorities and are determined to prevent similar tactics from being used in the future.

{Matzav.com}