Man who attacked Jerusalem nun acquitted due to mental illness, hospitalized for up to six years
The ruling means that Shreiber cannot be held criminally responsible for the attack because of his mental condition at the time.
Yona Simcha Schreiber was acquitted of assaulting a Christian nun in Jerusalem due to mental illness, and ordered to be hospitalized for up to six years. Judge Ophir Tischler found that Schreiber had committed the acts, but accepted the psychiatrist's conclusion that Schreiber was psychotic at the time and incapable of understanding or stopping his actions.
Schreiber was diagnosed with schizophrenia, having been psychotic for many years and lacking insight into his illness. The prosecution initially agreed to the acquittal and hospitalization, but sought a delay after the nun's attorney questioned the psychiatric findings and raised concerns about harassment against Christians in Jerusalem.
The court upheld the decision, with a psychiatrist recommendation for inpatient treatment for up to six years. The nun suffered bruising to her face and leg, and the attack was captured on video, leading to widespread condemnation. Schreiber, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Peduel, remains in hospital conditions while the prosecution completes its consultations.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
