Ashdod Man's Remand Extended Over Alleged Intimate Image Distribution and Threats
An Ashdod resident had his remand extended by four days over allegations of distributing intimate images of his ex-girlfriend and issuing violent threats following their breakup.
A 20-year-old resident of Ashdod had his remand extended by four days at the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court on suspicion of distributing intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend and making threatening phone calls. The suspect denies publishing the images and claims the victim initiated the contact following their separation after a four-year relationship.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During the remand hearing, defense attorney Dmitry Dogman presented a recording in which the young woman allegedly pleads to save the relationship. Police investigator Amnon Ganaor confirmed the recording was handed over to the investigative unit. However, Judge Yehuda Lieblin rejected a request to play the audio in court, ruling it irrelevant to the immediate proceedings.
Police noted that the intimate videos and photos were circulated on social media and sent to third parties shortly after the couple broke up. Investigators stated that the victim testified the media was stored exclusively on the suspect's phone. Defense counsel argued that there is no direct physical evidence linking his client to the online distribution and suggested the possibility of account hacking or self-publication by the complainant.
Judicial Assessment and Remand
Rejecting the defense's arguments for immediate release, Judge Lieblin emphasized the close temporal proximity between the breakup, the threats, and the emergence of the explicit content.
"The sequence of events, her testimony, the proximity, and the videos are sufficient at this stage to establish reasonable suspicion," Judge Lieblin stated.
The court also noted that intercepted WhatsApp communications allegedly contained severe threats, including a threat to murder the woman, pointing to potential dangerousness that requires further investigation. The suspect will remain in custody for an additional four days as police complete the remaining investigative steps.