A rabbi leaving a religious study hall in Los Angeles was followed by a van driver into an alley. Surveillance video showed the rabbi being shoved into a building alcove and choked. The attacker shouted “Free Palestine” while returning to the van. The suspect was arrested on May 19, and prosecutors sought $125,000 bail for a hate crime assault, citing prior violent felony convictions. A judge set the suspect free without bail, citing a California Supreme Court decision. The ruling, known as Kowalczyk, requires sweeping changes to bail determinations, functionally limiting cash bail in most cases and strictly capping it in others. Courts have faced increased Kowalczyk motions and added review burdens.
"The suspect was arrested on May 19, and L.A. County prosecutors asked that he be held on $125,000 bail in connection with a hate crime assault, noting that he was a repeat offender with prior violent felony convictions. Instead, the judge set him free without bail, saying a recent California Supreme Court case had forced the court's hand."
"The rabbi said he noticed a van driving slowly behind him. The young father, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the driver seemed to follow him down an alley off Pico Boulevard. Moments later, he said, the man leaped out of his van. Surveillance video showed the rabbi being shoved into the alcove of building and choked."
"As the attacker climbed back into his van, he shouted “Free Palestine,” the rabbi said. “I was yelling for help at the top of my lungs,” the rabbi said. “In my mind I'm accepting this is how it's going to end.”"
"Legal experts say the latest ruling is different, functionally outlawing cash bail in most cases, and strictly capping the amount in others. Over the past month, so-called Kowalczyk motions have flooded California courts, compelling judges to release people they would previously have held on bail. Meanwhile, courts are struggling under the additional burden of reviewing bail determinations"
Read at Los Angeles Times
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