A court in Israel acquitted a former floor tiler of the murder of a schoolgirl on Thursday. The story captivated the country for a decade, generating conspiracy theories and comparisons to the television series “Twin Peaks.”
Israelis are deeply divided over the bribery trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, which Netanyahu has called a political witch hunt. He has denied any involvement. Netanyahu’s proposal to revamp the Israeli judiciary makes Zdorov’s fortunes turning around hit close to home.
In 2006, the Ukrainian immigrant Zdorov (who knew very little Hebrew) claims he was compelled to confess to murdering 13-year-old. Tair Rada was killed in a school bathroom stall. He was found guilty and handed a life sentence in 2010.
Zdorov, in tears, said outside the Nazareth District Court. “The truth has triumphed.” The judge reversed his conviction on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to prove its case
Ilana, Rada’s mother, said that the authorities failed her. She pledged to seek out the perpetrators.
When asked on pro-government Channel 14 TV what she thought of Netanyahu’s proposed revisions, she said. “I feel that these reforms must be implemented, but not only for one individual, but for all Israelis.”
This is not the proper method to handle cases. Israeli prosecutors, police, and a substantial percentage of the country’s courts must undergo serious reform.
“Zdorov was deceived”
Netanyahu’s critics are concerned about the independence of the court. According to him, keeping peace amongst government departments is his primary goal.
The court ruled after a four-year trial that Zdorov killed Rada because she made fun of his foreign origin. His supporters claimed that this kind of prejudice influenced his inquiry as well.
The lawyers for Zdorov said that their client was duped into confessing and acting out the murder by police and an inmate informant. In addition, they questioned the veracity of a shoeprint and the findings of a forensic examination of the weapon used to assault her.
The Supreme Court discharged Zdorov and ordered a fresh trial in 2021, despite indications from the prosecution that they may file an appeal.
The ever-expanding social media — and the conspiracy theorists who use it — provided Zdorov’s court case a boost. A former pupil who had left the country was the intended target of one plan to distract attention.
