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Last update - 13:00 31/05/2009
Entertainer Dudu Topaz held over attacks on Israel TV execs
By Yuval Goren, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: Israel News, Israel Media 

Entertainer Dudu Topaz was arrested Sunday for suspected involvement in a string of attacks on television executives over the last few months.

Police had collected evidence against Topaz based on surveillance of telephone conversations he had with suspects in an attack on TV producer Shira Margalit two weeks ago.

In addition, one of the suspects already detained over the incident admitted during the investigation to having a connection to Topaz, strengthening police suspicions of the entertainer's involvement.
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Topaz's attorney Zion Amir said that his client denies the charges and has no connection to the matter.

Meanwhile, a Tel Aviv District Court judge said Sunday that two people recently arrested over the attack represent the "operational arm" of a criminal organization targetting prominent media officials.

Margalit, the deputy director of content at Channel 2 franchisee Reshet, was attacked outside her home two weeks ago by unknown assailants.

Police believe that the same two people were involved in attacks on Keshet CEO Avi Nir in November 2008 and and on Boaz Ben Zion, an attorney representing actors, around half-a-year ago.

The suspects, 33-year-old and 22-year-old residents of Tel Aviv already known to police as being involved in drug dealing, possession and violence, were brought to the court Sunday under heavy police guard for a deliberation on extending their remand.

During the deliberation the chief of the team investigating the attacks said that the two are part of "a criminal organization that stands behind a string of attacks on members of the media."

Assistant Police Commissioner Kobe Getanio said that police have a suspicion of what motivated the attack, but did not elaborate.

Judge Zion Kapach, who presented material from the investigation that included a secret report, said the two men "are the operational arm, but are not the initiators of the attack."

Police on Sunday arrested a fourth suspect in the affair, a 38-year-old Tel Aviv resident who works in security.

Related articles:
  • Police: Attacks on Channel 2 execs could be connected
  • Dudu Topaz denies link to Channel 2 assaults
  • Reshet executive attacked outside home

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      1.   faith 16:39  |  Ethan 31/05/09
      2.   Dudu and the drill 17:20  |  Robin 31/05/09
      3.   Who is chakchookh now! LOL 17:36  |  JMK 31/05/09
      4.   #2 - That`s a good one lol 18:19  |  D 31/05/09
      5.   Steve Green 19:15  |  Topaz innocent 31/05/09
      6.   Steve Green 19:15  |  Topaz innocent 31/05/09
      7.   Do you remember his "tchach-tchachim" remark? 19:22  |  Yonatan 31/05/09
      8.   Motive Please 20:12  |  Proud Israeli 31/05/09
      9.   It surely makes sense 21:05  |  Marilyn Wacks 31/05/09
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