Judge releases alleged accomplices of Jerusalem ramming attack terrorist

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court judge decided to release three of the terrorist's alleged accomplices but extended the remand of two others. 9 friends and family members of Fadi al-Qunbar were arrested following Jan. 8 attack.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: JANUARY 16, 2017 15:42
Fadi al-Qanbar (photo credit: Courtesy)
Fadi al-Qanbar
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Citing lack of evidence, a Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court judge on Sunday ordered the release of two relatives and a friend of the terrorist Fadi al-Qunbar, who murdered four soldiers and wounded 17 others in Armon Hanatziv last week when he rammed the truck he was driving into the group of soldiers who were stepping off a bus at the moment of the attack.
However, the judge extended the remand of one of Qunbar’s brothers and a friend for suspicion of having prior knowledge of the January 8 attack.
Following the truck ramming next to the Haas Promenade, during which Qunbar was shot dead by police, four friends and five family members of the killer were arrested in their east Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabl Mukaber, where the killer also resided.
Qunbar’s sister and father were released following their arraignment, but the judge extended the remands of two of his brothers, one cousin, and four friends, pending the ongoing police investigation, which later exonerated five more defendants.
The two remaining suspects have been transferred into the custody of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), where they will continue to be questioned.
Scene of Jerusalem ramming attack
Qunbar’s home is slated to be demolished in the coming days, and the Interior Ministry has initiated plans to revoke the residential status of 12 of his family members.