Court Releases Mother Arrested in Haifa; Judge Criticizes Police

In depth

The Haifa Magistrate's Court ordered the release of a mother arrested on suspicion of abusing her daughter, after ruling that no such suspicion exists. The mother was held in custody overnight before being brought before the hearing.

According to the investigation, the person who led the girl on a leash was her aunt, and the two were playing a game in which the girl played the role of a dog. The mother's attorney said the arrest was wrongful. The judge criticized the police for holding the mother in custody overnight.

Footage of the girl being led on a leash in Haifa was widely circulated and drew reactions. The court ruled there was no basis for the suspicion of abuse and ordered the mother released from custody.