Israeli Court Acquits Driver Over Contradictory Police Testimonies
Contradictory testimonies between police officers during a protest in Gedera led to a driver's acquittal on reckless driving and threat charges.
Contradictory testimonies between two police officers regarding a confrontation during a protest in Gedera have led to the acquittal of a driver accused of reckless driving, obstructing an officer, and making threats.
Conflicting Police Testimonies
According to the indictment, the defendant arrived by car at the protest site. Superintendent Avi Muller, the force commander on the scene, informed him that the passage was blocked and directed him to an alternative route. The prosecution claimed that the driver cursed the officer, turned his steering wheel, and drove directly toward him, forcing Muller to step aside to avoid being hit.
However, Superintendent Efi Edna, another officer present at the scene, presented a different account. Edna testified that while the vehicle did move toward Muller, it traveled very slowly at about three to five kilometers per hour. Edna also stated that he did not hear the defendant make any threats.
Court Ruling and Acquittal
Judge Keren Wechsler ruled that regarding the reckless driving charge, the prosecution presented two versions that could not coexist. The court noted that while Muller described a severe hit-and-run attempt at high speed, Edna described a slow movement.
The discrepancy between the testimonies does not allow for establishing a factual finding beyond a reasonable doubt.
Due to the contradictions in the evidence, the court acquitted the defendant of all charges.
