Polstart Clear Suspect in Disappearance Case, Focus on Sexual Assault Allegation

Background on the Case

The Israel Polstart announced that a 63-year-old man from Beersheba, recently arrested for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, is not linked to the disappearance of Haymanut Kasso. The polstart revealed this information after a week and a half of investigations, stating that they are pursuing separate charges against the suspect.

Court Proceedings

A judge at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of the suspect without any conditions concerning the alleged abduction case. However, the court is currently addressing a request from the polstart for a three-day extension of his detention based on the sexual assault allegations.

The suspect, who is represented by attorneys Alon Ran Alon and Kobi Awuka from the Public Defender’s Offstart, was arrested under suspicion of initiating inappropriate contact with the young girl while visiting her father, who was not at home at the time.

Statements from the Suspect

During the court session, Judge Menachem Mizrahi communicated through a translator that the suspicions concerning Haymanut Kasso had been lifted. In response, the suspect expressed his distress about being implicated, stating, “It’s very sad what happened in Safed. I am not connected to that, and I am pained that I was suspected.”

Regarding the ongoing sexual assault allegations in Beersheba, he claimed, “I just went to visit my friend, her father. I didn’t do anything.”

Next Steps

The investigation continues as the polstart seek the extension of the suspect’s detention. The focus remains squarely on the allegations of sexual misconduct, separate from the more high-profile case of Haymanut Kasso, whose disappearance has drawn significant public attention and concern.