Court rejects petition by slain Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's killer to change his status as security prisoner, extend visiting rights

Published: 10.05.10

The Petah Tikva District Court rejected Tuesday a petition filed by slain Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's murderer, Yigal Amir, to change his security prisoner status and extend his visitation rights.



Amir's prison status states that he poses a danger to other prisoners, and is in danger from others himself. He is therefore held in solitary confinement.



Amir asked the court to change his status, allow him to meet with various members of his extended family, and join a daily minyan (prayer), which includes his brother, Hagai.



Hagai Amir was also convicted as a conspirator in the Rabin assassination and is currently serving a 16-year sentence.




Judge Avraham Tal said that the court should not infringe on the Shin Bet's judgment on the matter, in the absence of special circumstances – which do not exist in Amir's case.



The judge also noted that the Shin Bet's decisions on visitation rights were reasonable, just and based on state security concerns. Amir's security prisoner status, added the court, does not negate any of his basic rights as a prisoner.