In Malaysia, Shalom Avitan, a 38-year-old Israeli citizen, was recently arrested on charges of entering the country with the intention of killing another Israeli. Despite his arrest and the allegations against him, Avitan maintains his innocence, as reported by Reuters.
Avitan’s arrest occurred at the end of March, only two weeks after he arrived in Malaysia. During a search of his belongings, law enforcement officials discovered six pistols and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition in his possession. It is said that Avitan entered the country using a French passport but also presented an Israeli passport.
According to Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Hussein, Avitan was detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 12 at Jelang Ampong Hotel. This was two weeks after he arrived in Malaysia. Additionally, Malaysian police arrested Israeli crime boss Eran Haya who was wanted in Israel. It is alleged that Avitan had been planning to carry out an assassination attempt on Haya. Along with Haya, a Georgian citizen and two Turkish citizens who acted as his bodyguards were also arrested. Haya was found to possess a Turkish passport as well.
The details of Avitan’s arrest were provided by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Hussein who stated that he was detained through Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 12 at Jelang Ampong Hotel for two weeks after arriving in Malaysia.
It is important to note that these are allegations and it remains to be seen what evidence will be presented in court to determine Avitan’s guilt or innocence.
