Teacher Suspected of Sex Offenses Against 7-Year-Old Student; Court Approves Publication of His Identity

In depth

Michael Weingarten, a resident of Rosh HaAyin and the son of actor Itzik Weingarten, was arrested last week after an investigation lasting several days on suspicion of committing sex offenses against a 7-year-old student during a music lesson. The girl's testimony, taken by a child investigator, was found to be "authentic."

The police asked that the suspect be kept in custody until the end of proceedings, but the court ruled that he could be released under restrictive conditions. The judges rejected the police appeal against his release to house arrest, ruling that the suspicion exists but there is no justification for continued detention behind bars.

The student testified that the teacher touched her over her clothing and showed her an intimate picture. According to the National Parents Committee, the teacher continued to teach at another school even after the suspicions were already known to supervisors at the Education Ministry. The teacher denies all the allegations against him.