Owing to an incomprehensible misunderstanding, the five Jews who were yesterday acquitted and released after a hearing charging them with participation in the demonstration here last week against Dr. Drummond Shiels, British under-secretary for the Colonies, were rearrested on instructions from the attorney-general’s office in Jerusalem.
The office of the attorney-general has explained that Wednesday’s order telephoned from Jerusalem was to delay and not stay the proceedings. The order for the rear rest is causing great excitement, puzzlement and legal speculation in this all-Jewish city since the examining magistrate in discontinuing the hearing had said “I discharge and acquit you.” A retrial would mean placing the accused persons in jeopardy twice for the same offense.
In the meantime all but Akhi Mayer, a contributor to the Doar Hayom, have been taken into custody. The whereabouts of Mayer are unknown. Lawyers for the defence have been summoned from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.
After a five hour hearing yesterday the magistrate announced that the five Jews were acquitted because High Commissioner Chancellor had ordered their release. As they left the court room they were given a great ovation by a large crowd that was awaiting the court’s decision.
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