Judge slams police over Qatargate investigation, says Urich ‘unlawfully arrested’

Judge Menachem Mizrahi of the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court rejects the police request to extend the detention of Jonatan Urich, a key suspect in the Qatargate affair, and issues sharp criticism of investigators over their handling of the case and the allegations themselves.

Urich was arrested late last night after being detained and questioned regarding new evidence.

Mizrahi declares, however, there was no reason to arrest Urich, adding that the suspect was “unlawfully arrested.”

The judge continues, saying “there is a creeping feeling that the investigation is steaming ahead without anyone stopping on the side and asking themselves ‘what crime has been committed here?'”

Adds the judge, “It is not possible to accept the request to extend Urich’s detention, and no court that is concerned for human liberty would allow this.”

The judge nevertheless agrees to delay Urich’s release by 24 hours to enable the police to appeal his decision.