The suspect
Photo: AP
Mother suspected of starving son defers psych evaluation
Jerusalem Magistrate's Court calls emergency hearing over woman's failure to report to court ordered psychiatric evaluation over 'fatigue.' Judge: I hope no one is trying to outsmart the court
The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court called an emergency hearing in the case of the haredi mother suspected of starving her three-year-old son Sunday, to discover why she has yet to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Magistrate's Court President Justice Shulamit Dotan summoned the woman's attorneys, haredi lobbyist Avraham Froelich, to whose custody she was released, and the police representatives to the hearing.
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Froelich failed to appear in court, but explained in a phone conversation that the evaluation was postponed due to the suspect's fatigue and the fact that it was scheduled in too short a notice.
The woman was remanded to house arrest on Friday, providing she underwent a psychiatric evaluation. "I hope no one is trying to outsmart a court ruling which was made after both sides agreed to the conditions," said Dotan.
The police asked the court to issue a hold-departure order against the suspect, in case she tries to leave Israel.
Dr. Yaakov Weil, the court appointed psychiatrist, told Ynet that while he tried to keep his appointment with the defendant, he was prevented from seeing her. He did not give a reason for the delay, saying only that "as a physician, I am available to see whoever seeks my help."
The suspect's attorney, David Halevy, said that his client "was ill and out of sympathy and mutual understanding for her condition, the evaluation was postponed."
The court will reconvene on the case on Monday.
