The examination of witnesses was resumed here today by Magistrate Ralph B. Bodilly in connection with the murder of Dr. Chaim Arlosoroff, noted Zionist labor leader who was slain on the night of June 16 in Tel Aviv. Abraham Stavsky, Polish Revisionist; Aba Achimeir, an extreme Revisionist, and Zvi Rosenblatt, another Revisionist, are being held on the charge of having been implicated in the murder.
At today’s hearing an attempt was made to clear up the evidence presented by Asher Hazan, owner of a house in Tel Aviv, where he alleged he saw Achimeir on the night of the murder. Statements made by Hazan regarding the hour of the day on which he saw the defendant are conflicting.
Mrs. Hazan admitted to the court that her husband had been suspicious of Achimeir and his connection with the Arlosoroff murder before he had communicated with the police. In an earlier declaration she denied this.
This morning’s session was startled when the long silence of Achimeir was broken with an outburst by the defendant who denounced the allegation that he had been in Tel Aviv on the night of the murder.
He demanded his release on the grounds that a number of distinguished residents had seen him in Jerusalem between six and seven o’clock on the fatal evening.
“I have been patient and silent hitherto,” Achimeir cried. “I am unable to remain quiet when I hear false statements made by Hazan alleging that I was in Tel Aviv on June 16.
“Many distinguished residents of Jerusalem, including Professor Nahum Slousch, Abraham Elmaleh, member of the Vaad Leumi, and others remember seeing me between six and seven o’clock in Jerusalem on that night.
“The testimony against me is spurious. I demand my release, or let me out on bail.”
Magistrate Bodilly pointed out that Achimeir is charged with organizing the murder. He said that plans might have been laid in Jerusalem as well as in Tel Aviv.
Evading the issue, Achimeir dramatically retorted that “Hazan and Assailova are lying.” Miss Assailova had also testified against him. He said that he will bring witnesses before the court to prove he was in Jerusalem on June 16.
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