A self-styled Journalist of Egypt, who led the Shatta prison break in 1958, was acquitted today by the Haifa district court of charges of murdering the warden in the escape attempt. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that Ahmed Ali Othmann actually took part in or planned the killing of the warden.
Othmann, responding to the verdict with a smile, said he was “rather surprised” by the “just verdict. ” He must still face trial on charges of organizing and participating in an unlawful escape from the prison. The defendant, who speaks five languages, was accused of planning and participating in the escape on July 31, 1958 from the prison in northern Israel which housed dangerous infiltrators. He was wounded and captured during the escape attempt.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
