MK Moshe Abutbul demands intervention after ultra-Orthodox man arrested following police testimony

MK Moshe Abutbul has issued an urgent letter to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, demanding intervention following the arrest of a member of the ultra-Orthodox community. The incident involved Moshe Steiner, a 21-year-old student who arrived at the Lahav 433 police unit to provide testimony regarding a fraud case. Instead of being allowed to leave after his statement, Steiner was escorted to a parking lot and handed over to the military police, resulting in a 20-day prison sentence.

Abutbul characterized the incident as a “crossing of a red line” and a serious breach of the police commissioner's commitment to the ultra-Orthodox public. He warned that such conduct undermines trust between the community and law enforcement, potentially discouraging citizens from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations, which he noted “could cost human lives.”

Abutbul is calling for immediate and clear instructions to all police stations to ensure that ultra-Orthodox individuals can file complaints or provide testimony without the risk of arrest. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Police Commissioner and the Minister of Justice.