Alleged Mossad spy granted bail in Germany, 'can return to Israel if he wants'
Prosecutors accuse Uri Brodsky of illegally helping to procure a German passport used in connection with the slaying of a Hamas commander in Dubai.
By The Associated Press Tags: Israel news Dubai assassinationProsecutors say an alleged Mossad spy wanted in connection with the slaying of a Hamas leader in Dubai earlier this year has been set free on bail by a German judge on Friday.
Cologne prosecutors' spokesman Rainer Wolf said after a closed-doors hearing that the suspect known as Uri Brodsky is free to travel wherever he wants to go while judicial proceedings against him in Germany will continue.
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Alleged Mossad agent known as Uri Brodsky, center, being escorted by armed Polish anti-terrorist police officers to court in Warsaw, July 7, 2010. |
| Photo by: AFP |
Wolf said Brodsky could "return to Israel today if he wants to."
Prosecutors accuse Brodsky of illegally helping to procure a German passport used in connection with the Jan. 19 slaying of Hamas commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai, allegedly by a Mossad hit squad.
Brodsky was arrested June 4 at Warsaw airport. He was extradited to Germany on Thursday.
Israel's suspected forgery of European passports allegedly used by members of a hit squad who took part in the killing of the Hamas leader in Dubai in January annoyed several European countries, including Britain, which expelled an Israeli diplomat over the matter in March.
Police in the United Arab Emirates said the elaborate hit squad linked to the Jan. 19 slaying of Mabhouh - one of the founders of Hamas' military wing - involved some 25 suspects, most of them carrying fake passports from European nations and Australia.
Among the faked passports, according to Dubai police, was one issued in 2009 by authorities in Cologne with Brodsky's alleged involvement. The passport was issued to a man named Michael Bodenheimer, who allegedly was part of the hit squad.
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The man was arrested for document forgery, happens all the time in every country.
My first thoughts were "Has this judge any integrity ?" His or her decision does not make any sense at all and is an insult to justice worldwide. Message given to the Zionist do whatever you wish and you will always get away with it. Does the judge who gave this decision believe this murderer will ever return to Germany if he was allowed to travel to Israel ? may this judge should have also ordered expense of travelled be paid by German authorities ... Never expected this from a presumed civilized country like Germany. It is laughable ... and i suggest this judge be investigated ... there is something fishy about his decision !!!
oh the double standards.
Both Bush and Netanyahu took to the extreme their belief that they and their nations had the right to commit any crime, anywhere. And both of them unleashed consequences far more damaging to their nation than any action of those they chose to pursue. CIA agents stand convicted in Italy, soon a Mossad agent will stand convicted in Germany. International law has been invoked to provide for the extradition of those involved in both instances. A watershed has been crossed, and the men guilty of forcing this immense restriction upon their national intelligence services have suffered nought for their imprudent, rash and childish actions.
but it is quite shocking what happened in europe. this person is an alleged spy and was assisting in the murder. germany wanted him for two reasons a) the passport forgery b) spying and could have probably sued him for assisting in murder as well. strangely, poland was only willing to extradite "brodsky" to germany on the premises that germany sues him only for the passport forgery. strangely, at first lieberman etc. were furious about the arrest but after it became obvious that the polish court st up conditions, no one heard an israeli politician anymore. mossad killings are illegal. it is shocking that people here are actually supporting the mossad. it is a sad day for justice in the end and i am deeply ashamed of what has happened
If Mr Brodsky is entitled to a fair trail, surely Mr Mobhouh is entiled to the same treatment.
In which case was Mr Mobhouh not entitled to the same treatment as Mr Brodsky?
If it was just a passport forgery, lettig him go on bail would be normal. In this case however the pass was used in connection with murder, which makes the case different. Protecting murderers and people who help them is not acceptable. In that case "pragmatic" politics turn into complicity, making murder a "normal political act".
There is more to this story than we will ever likely hear about.
A German passport is a document that in principle has to be respected, but this Hamas commander in Dubai definitely deserved to die for the terrorist acts he plotted. Forging a German passport is punishable, but is not a capital crime. Terrorism is.
Good bye to "Uri Brodsky" (the name), never to be used again by a Mossad agent. Germany is the last Western country to dare offend Israel, and rightly so. We all know why.
germany was the only country to issue an actual international warrant against an alleged agent, if indeed he is an agent. germany had to back down from charges of espionage since poland would not extredite on such charge. poland is not beholden to germany.
please tell us why
"Germany is the last Western country to dare offend Israel, and rightly so." - Logios Germany requested Extradition of a criminal suspect. Poland agreed and delivered the suspect. Germany treated the minor passport violation as it would have in anyone else, it allowed bail and suggested the culprit prove his crime by fleeing. Where did German not act in it's own interest?
the Israeli man could not stay detained, because of allegations , that Israel was involved. Dubai handling of the case is absurd, because Mabhouh is only allegedly dead.but was a proven Hamas agent. So he should be dead. but who did it is a big ?
Too bad, so sad, Linthwaite, eh? You had such high hopes that the "alleged Mossad spy" would get the death penalty (or at least a long jail term). Looks like he may get a small fine, and nothing more (as it should be). He'll get a heroes welcome in Israel for whatever his part was in the assassination of a Hamas terrorist (as he should). Munch, munch, munch. Mmmmm. Good popcorn. I may have to go out and buy some more. Shall I pick up some antacid for your 'indigestion' while I'm out shopping?
Aaaah.....mmmm....well....ehm!.....you know.... ghrrr ...errrr....ehm!.... OK. We do it too. Happy now?
lets find the next terrorist.
He is charged with "illegally helping to procure a German passport" and faces a fine. Why should he be detained? The bail will ensure the payment of the fine, if he is convicted.
Both Poland and Germany are strong supporters of Israel's fight against Islamic terror and this was therefore bound to happen. Unlike Western armchair leftists who take their freedoms for granted to the point where they support those that would take them away in an instant (ie Islamic fundamentalists), countries like Poland and Germany know what it's like to live under totlitarian regimes and would rather fight these types of movements than bend to them. Germans and Poles can be proud to stand on the side of human freedom and dignity.
When you have no solid arguments to refute what someone writes, you call it names or discredit its accuracy. Most people outgrow this behaviour by the time they're 10 but not the apologists for the Islamic fundamentalists.
danke danke
it's just redicoulus...........a bail in such a case must never be granted
When will this innocent man be freed, so that he can receive his medal?
So does England who helps Russian spys get forged passports to the USA
Israel gives medals to those who fight against those movements that would take away your rights as a woman, would cover you from head to toe, and would execute you if you so much as spoke to a man other than your husband. Wake up and smell the coffee. You're free because of countries like Israel, not Iran.
Even have freedom for its own women Gilles.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government is about as useless as that of PM Nethanyahu. I would have at least expected a perfunctory investigation of the legitimacy of Mr. Brodsky's purported claim to a German passport. The conclusions are obvious. Way to go Angie and Guido, some serious gluteus maximus osculation. German law is an a##!
you don't know much about common, roman, and international law, right? and where exactly is the connection hidden between german legislative & german judiciary in this case?
...is a valid question :(((
Show Israeli, they can be prosecuted for thier crimes.
once you start killing people it never stops. I can't beleive Gran, that you actualy wrote this remark.
Well, it was clear from the start a judge would come to this decision so I never understood all the fuzz about the case. Doesn't mean he's innocent but using a faked passport is a minor offense and not a crime you do time for. He's free to face the court but if he choses not to the bail is forfeited - business as usual. Now everyone who was worked up about Poland sending a Israeli to Germany can calm down - even without special treatment for a alleged jewish criminal everything worked out ok...
tough luck antisemites. good will always triumph!!!
even though Russia is not a friend of US. Friendly countries should address such things in a friendly manner.
israel is not considered to be part of the "club." indeed, israel is considered to be a state somewhat appart.
Best Regards, S
Russia gave up some people the US wanted out. And contrary to Cipora and S, Israel never offers the US anything in trade. The government 'Friendship' is a one-way street.
send him to Iran and let c what happens
so he will pay some bucks and its ok...
No, you just send back people implementing extra-judicial killings in the name of germans back so that they can continue doing their form of justice and "death penalties". But G_d forbid they get the same treatment...
At long last a country that understands the difference between terrorists and terrorist hunters -and supports the latter. Well done, Germany!
...that killers are just killers ! Preparing an assassination by faking a german passport usually should be considered a major crime. As a german I feel ashamed !
Where in the judges statement does he somehow support "terrorist hunters" jamor? Might be time to clean those milk bottle thick glasses of yours mate!...and yeah, we get it, you and many like you support extra judicial killings.A fine moral person you are indeed. The question is, as always, who might they come for next...next...and in the end?
mumbling something about extra judicial killing?So what he was killed do you regret he won't kill anymore?What kind of morality do you have if you protect a murderer instead of murdered? Who tried Kurds that Turkey kills them almost on a daily basis Mr.Moralist? Shame on you for trying to make terrorists untouchable by using principles of democracy to protect and save their lives.
it was a help for murder and so it should be punished.
Moral standards, eternal values and civil rights apply to every human being. That’s the base of west-european democracies - and I am happy to live in one of these states. If you refuse these rights to anyone your own rights might be in utmost peril. Murderers must be prosecuted by law, not by Israeli killing squads. If those standards don’t apply to Israel till today they should be installed.
When governments take too much time to do the right thing when it comes to terrorists, thank God there is the Mossad... an eye for an eye... those who mess with Israel are on notice... no bad deed goes unanswered
and in fact protect murderers instead of their victims. Following your theory all terrorists have to do after killing is to go to a country they know won't extradite them and use it as a sanctuary after each new attack.How leftist to use humanitarian laws to chain government's hands so it cannot defend people against terrorists! What's the difference between you and them?
Poland extradited. Germany will continue with proceedings. The agent may flee, but the legal precedent has been established.
For his part in helping to obtain fake passport, he will pay a fine and possibly spend a couple of months in jail. This is how it should be. This will send a clear message to Mossad that next time they will have to be more careful. We are all grateful for the work Mossad does for all freedom loving people, just be more careful next time, that's all.
You very obviously have no clue what the Mossad is doing...
This is simply a precedent between friends. Germany has no reason to damage Israel (like you wish they did) in its fight against terror. Regards!
For sure I have a clue what the Mossad did in Dubai. They did the right thing by killing a Hamas commander for committing many violent attacks on civilians. Of course, I don't like the method the Mossad used, but it is the lesser of many evils. Hamas terror shall not go unpunished.
Most policeman who prevent violent crimes, whatever their methods, are generally thought of as heros. Besides, maybe the evidence presented was was weak?
If Germany had no intention to define the new terms of the relationship S, then why did it demand extradition. Germany and Poland have BOTH sent a very clear message. Don't embarrass us again by breaking our laws.
And I was alive back then. I thought Germany made a deal that fit it's needs, but was wrong. I do not think Germany did anything wrong, and this deal fits it's needs. American CIA agents were convicted in Crypto-Fascist Italy a few years back. Israel has been served notice by many nations that it will no longer be able to engage in criminal activity involving those nations with impunity. Germany and Poland have sent a message. A simple message. Keep your crimes off our turf.
I only meant that that the Germans did the best under the circumstances - to do good, instead of what others would have preferred - make a BIG STINK out of it. Like Turkey....and so many others....here on the talkback. AND LOOK HOW MANY THUMBS UP YOU GOT!
In other words, "pay the large sum of money in bail and we don't want to see your face again, etc.". And if someone asks: "We tried our best to prosecute him but he got away *shrug*"
Germany maliciously bought suspects freedom. They are party to the offence. Shameful episode.
If he does not come back for his trial he will never be able to travel to Europe again in his life. I doubt he wants to spend the rest of his days locked in Israel.
we have the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India. Wide open spaces to visit and enjoy.
... he will come back to Europe on a FORGED PASSPORT ... ha ha ha !!!
I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my days unlocked in Israel.
I don't think he's going to come back.
IT IS MARVELOUS TO SEE A JUDGE WITH GOD'S HEART .... MERCY...MERCY...MERCY.. FORGIVENESS.... LOVE OF GOD..... WOW THIS MAKES MY DAY ! I PRAY HE WILL RETURN TO ISRAEL TODAY.... I AM SO EXCITED ..SO HAPPY FOR HIM TO BE SET FREE ..... IF GOD CAN FORGIVE US-SINNERS OUR TRESPASSES THEN WE CAN FORGIVE OTHERS TOO.. THIS MAN SAVED MANY OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE FROM BEING MURDERED... I DON'T CONDONE MURDER AT ALL BUT GIVEN THIS TERRORIST HISTORY IT WASN;T THE FIRST TIME THIS MAN KILLED INNOCENT PEOPLE ...SO PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE LAST EITHER.... SEND THE PLANES.... LET US COME BACK HOME ...... REJOICING .... GIVING GOD OF ISRAEL ALL THE GLORY ...
Lol Esther I think I can hear you ! you're shouting so loud. As to what you are actually saying,...erm... what are you saying ? I can't really make it out. If I didn't know any better, I would have said you come across like an ignorant, backward fanatic. thank you
We all know who the other Esther is. But what angers you is that she's happy Germany released Brodski. (Which, by the way, I am happy too). C'est la vie..... notre vie....Best regards, S
you know, the same ones that distribute sweets and scream out "god is great", no offence to the muslims or good jews here.
This HERO should be sent home.
I am happy Germans saw the big picture correctly. Good deeds always prevail at the end!
Why has this judge allowed Brodsky the right to leave Germany knowing full well that if he is found guilty, there is absolutely no way Israel will deliver him back to Germany to face the charges. It seems that Justice is becoming a thing of the past.
To your question: if found guilty Brodsky would have to pay a few hundred, maybay thousand €s fine. Giving that fact, Brodsky is a "free" man -- the bail he had to pay seems to be enough in case of a conviction.
Israel and Germany have an extradition treaty, meaning that it will be a blemish on Israels record if they allow him to leave/disappear. Also, I believe that this could allow him to do his jail sentence in Israel were he convicted. Two important facts that everyone seems to miss though. This guy isn't guilty of killing a member of Hamas. He is accused, but based on at best circumstantial evidence. So far, the most damning evidence is fake ID. In all developped countries, we cannot try someone based on circumstantial evidence. Second important fact is that if he really is a spy, this may be the last we hear of this. When was the last time we saw a spy tried in public court. There is always some kind of backdoor dealing that allows them to slip free. I guess they know too much to be allowed public forum.
Whenever has a blemish on Israels record ever bothered them?
What took them so long?...double standards!
Pleased to hear Uri can go home.