Israeli gets 4-1/2 years for offering to spy for Iran
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 28 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Israeli gets 4-1/2 years for offering to spy for Iran, 28 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533144aa11.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 28, 2014
An Ultraorthodox Israeli man has been sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison on charges of trying to spy for Israeli rival Iran.
The Jerusalem court said Yitzhak Bergel admitted, as part of a plea bargain, to charges of contacting a foreign agent, intent to commit treason, and attempting to aid an enemy of Israel.
The decision said, however, that "no damage" had been done to the Israeli state because of Bergel's actions.
Bergel is described as belonging to Neturei Karta, a splinter group of Ultraorthodox Jewry that rejects the existence of a manmade Jewish state until the coming of the messiah.
Adherents of the sect have met with Iranian leaders.
Authorities said Bergel flew to Berlin in 2011, contacted the Iranian Embassy there, and offered to collect intelligence.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
