Nearly six months after the death of Yosef Eisenthal z”l, who was killed by an Arab bus driver during a protest in Jerusalem, state prosecutors have yet to make a final decision on indicting the driver despite the police recommendation to file charges for reckless manslaughter.

The Arab driver was released shortly after the incident and has remained free, as the State Attorney’s Office did not appeal his release.

Sources familiar with the investigation criticized the State Prosecutor’s Office’s handling of the case. A senior Jerusalem District source claimed that disagreements arose throughout the investigation between the police and prosecutors, including opposition to extending the driver’s detention.

“A young boy lost his life, and the State Prosecutor’s Office refuses to recognize the implications,” the source said. “Meanwhile, the driver who ran him over continues to walk free.”

The police investigation concluded with a clear recommendation to the State Prosecutor’s Office to indict the driver for reckless manslaughter. In response, the State Prosecutor’s Office said the case is still under review.

It should be noted that the State Prosecutor’s Office managed to issue indictments in a matter of weeks against Chareidim on much lesser charges. In addition, 50! Chareidi protesters were imprisoned for a week with no legal basis, in stark contrast to the Arab bus driver, who was released despite video evidence showing him deliberately plowing into a group of teens.

Channel 14 journalist Yinon Magal commented this week on the speedy filing of indictments against suspects in certain protests.

“When they want to, the wheels of justice move fast,” Magal wrote, noting the prosecution’s selective enforcement.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)