Does the Law of Return trump international law? This
question will have to be ruled on by the High Court of Justice, following an
attempt by an ultra-Orthodox Jew from England, who was charged with sexual
abuse of children, to find asylum in Israel.
The man has been detained already for over a half year. In a
rare instance, the Interior Ministry decided not to grant him standing under
the Law of Return, due to the heavy suspicions against him in the UK.
Now the issue comes before the High Court, which is expected
to rule soon, in an unusual case – is it possible to grant standing under the
Law of Return to a Jew accused of pedophilia who has fled his home country in
order to escape prosecution?
An indictment was filed gainst T., 48, for indecent assault
on a minor. After charges were announced, T. fled to Israel together with his
family. But when he landed, he was arrested for using a fake passport.
The Immigration Authority refused to grant him standing
under the Law of Return due to the charges against him in the UK, and even
sought to deport him back to his homeland.
In response, T. filed an appeal with the High Court via
Attorney Amit Hadad from the law firm of Attorney Jacob Weinroth.
Lawyers have requested to back the position of the interior
minister, and not grant T. Israeli citizenship.
“The danger to public safety is seen not only from the
crimes, but also from his fleeing from England,” said the State Prosecutor’s
Office representative, Attorney Reuven Adleman
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