Berland case drama • main witness was arrested on suspicion of extortion

Dramatic development in the case stirring the community of Shuvu Banim: key witness in the case, was arrested this morning (Wednesday), along with four other members of the community - on suspicion of extortion and threat of death, the Israeli police announced tonight.

Against the main witness in the case, was filed a few months ago indictment - including charges of carrying a weapon and shooting in urban area. This was followed after being beaten by two members of the community and he decided to revenge by shooting at their door.

Continuing of the investigation file - was arrested with four others this morning, on suspicion of extortion and conspiracy crime.

It is suspected they threatened a source close to one of the defendants in an attempt to blackmail him - accusations against conflict Warranty. Suspects will be taken tomorrow to extend their detention.

Since the case has been made public and witness was interviewed by the media, he moved away from the Shuvu Banim community.

Today community officials say this is a man that has been proven a criminal, and that one should not rely on the testimony: "There is no doubt that the arrest is indicative of what we said when the scandal broke out," says a senior of the community.

"This man is not stable and one that the police should not have relied on his testimony from the first stage."

He added: "Due to the criminal behavior he had an interest in blowing up a story that had no base, against Rabbi Berland to destroy the community. Now it has been proven by the Israeli police."

The official response of the suspect or his client has not been received. Sources close to him claim that the allegations have no base, and arguments about the Rabbi Berland affair are based.
On כ"ג Nissan, it was reported that Rabbi Berland is wanted for questioning in Israel, a few hours before the rabbi took off to Miami where he stayed for several days. Then he flew to Switzerland where he met with his attorney. Since Pesach the Rabbi is staying in Morocco. On Lag B'Omer nearly 100 followers huddled with him in a village near Marrakech.

So far it is not clear if the rabbi will return to Israel. But community leaders, who spoke to B'Chadrei Charedim, are hoping that the arrest of the witness will clear his name of their Rebbe.

"It's only a matter of time until things become clear, and all will understand nothing happened and everything was one big fantasy of shady people," they say.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!