Man Acquitted of Attacking Nun in Jerusalem Due to Mental Illness, Hospitalized for Up to Six Years

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court has acquitted Yona Simcha Schreiber of charges related to his attack on a Christian nun near King David's Tomb, ruling that he was suffering from mental illness at the time. Schreiber has been ordered to be hospitalized for up to six years.

Judge Ophir Tischler determined that while Schreiber committed the acts described in the indictment, the district psychiatrist's conclusion that Schreiber was psychotic and unable to comprehend or control his actions was valid. Consequently, Schreiber cannot be held criminally responsible for the assault, which included pushing the nun to the ground, kicking her, and assaulting a passerby who intervened.

The district psychiatrist diagnosed Schreiber with schizophrenia, noting that he had experienced psychosis for many years and lacked insight into his condition. Although no direct psychotic thoughts were conclusively linked to the attack, the psychiatrist affirmed that Schreiber's illness significantly influenced his actions, rendering him unable to understand or refrain from them.

Schreiber's hospitalization, effective from August 24, can extend for a maximum of six years, aligning with the penalty for the most serious offense. However, a psychiatric committee can order his earlier release if his condition improves. The court's decision followed several hearings concerning psychiatric findings and the rights of the victim.

The prosecution had initially agreed to an acquittal and hospitalization order but sought a delay after the nun's attorney reported not being properly informed of the psychiatric findings. The court's final decision was reached after clarifications were provided by the district psychiatrist, confirming Schreiber's severe mental state during the incident.

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The court reached its final decision after several hearings over the psychiatric findings and the rights of the woman who was attacked.