They Collected Protection Money and Threatened: 'If You Don't Pay, We'll Burn the Place'

The State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against two young men from Be'er Sheva and Tel Sheva, Muhammad Abu Ja'far and Anas Abu Asa, for collecting protection money from a kiosk in Be'er Sheva while threatening arson. According to the indictment, the defendants demanded weekly payments, threatened to burn the kiosk, and collected about 4,000 NIS on four occasions. Additionally, they took products without payment and threatened the workers.

The State Prosecutor's Office today (Monday) filed an indictment at the Be'er Sheva District Court against Muhammad Abu Ja'far, 18, from Be'er Sheva, and Anas Abu Asa, 18, from Tel Sheva, for collecting protection money from a kiosk in Be'er Sheva. According to the indictment, Abu Ja'far, who knew the kiosk worker, presented himself as responsible for security in the area, demanded weekly payment, and threatened that if not paid, he would burn the kiosk. The worker, fearing harm, transferred about 4,000 NIS to Abu Ja'far from the business cash register on four occasions. Additionally, Abu Ja'far took products without payment. In June, Abu Ja'far returned and demanded additional payment, and when told there was no money, he threatened that no one could help. Shortly after, Abu Asa arrived, joined the demand, and confronted the worker's stepfather. A brawl later developed, and another person threatened the complainants while holding a knife. The indictment charges both with the offense of collecting protection money, and Abu Asa also with aggravated assault. The case was handled by the Negev District Police and Be'er Sheva station.