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Toronto Rabbi Files Suit Against 18 Policemen; Says He Was Beaten

February 1, 1963
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A rabbi who refused to ride on the Sabbath, even when ordered to do so by the police, has filed suit here against 18 policemen who, he alleges, beat him.

The suit was filed by Rabbi Norbert Leiner, of New Jersey. He claims that police picked him up as a suspect while spreading a dragnet for some criminals, and ordered him to enter a patrol car. He said he refused because it was Saturday and tried to explain that riding on the Sabbath was against his religious principles. Nevertheless, Rabbi Leiner charges, he was beaten and forced into the patrol car.

Justice Dalton Wells, here, conducted a public inquiry into the suit. The policemen said the rabbi was “not cooperative” when questioned. A report on the results of his inquiry is being awaited from Justice Wells.

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