An Israeli businessman faces criminal charges for allegedly choking an anti-Israel demonstrator, but claims self-defense after “anti-Semitic bigots” repeatedly called him a “genocidal Jew.” His lawyer announced Friday.
The attorney for Yotam Danker, an Israeli national who served in the Israel Defense Forces, says the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office made all the wrong decisions and that his client feared for his life during the midtown encounter on January 26. He said he took action.
After Dunker’s Manhattan criminal court appearance, attorney Zach Intler said, “Prosecutors have no right to arrest and prosecute a civilian who has been insulted and repeatedly labeled a genocidal Jew by an anti-Semitic bigot.” “We have decided to take into account the current situation in Gaza and Israel.” Friday arraignment.
“My client was doing absolutely nothing.”
Prosecutors allege Danker, a senior vice president at Carmel Partners, was walking with a group of friends on East 55th Street around noon when he got into an argument with Simon Miller, who was handing out flyers.
Prosecutors and officials said Danker returned about 10 minutes later, grabbed Miller by the throat, slammed her against concrete, strangled her from behind and wrapped his arms around her throat, confusing her before fleeing. be done.
Miller suffered bruises, a small laceration to his neck and a cut to his hand.
But Danker’s lawyer said he was simply trying to get lunch when Miller, who was protesting against Israel, started spewing hate speech.
“When my client returned for lunch, this anti-Semitic bigot continued to harass and assault him, using horrific anti-Semitic language,” Intrater said. added that he only fled because he feared his “life was in danger”.
Judge Rachel Pauley asked prosecutors what was written on Mr. Miller’s flyer, but they could not specify, but Mr. Danker’s lawyer said it was the same “anti-Semitic message” that had been hurled at Mr. Dunker. He said he “guess” that it contained “words like”.
Danker’s other lawyer, Tenny Geragos, said in court that Danker’s chokeslam came after he was repeatedly called a “Jewish genocide,” and Danker ran afoul of the law. He added that he should be released on his own recognizance because there was no incident.
Dankner was charged with strangulation, assault, and obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.
Prosecutors asked for supervised release on bailable charges.
The judge released Danker and his next court date is scheduled for April 17th.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it is continuing to investigate the incident.
