Two Breslov Hasidim Arrested in Madrid • Suspicion: Drug Smuggling

May 11, 2014   

Prisoners of Spain: On Tuesday last week, two young Breslov Hasidim were arrested after arriving on a flight from Morocco to Spain. The two were arrested immediately upon landing at the Madrid airport. Police approached them, took their luggage, handcuffed them - and transferred them to detention in a detention facility. Upon their arrest, they were explained that the arrest was made following intelligence information received about drug smuggling, and that the police were conducting an investigation. The next morning, they were told by investigators that large quantities of drugs were found in their possession, and as a result, they were transferred to detention - pending trial. One of the detainees is Nathan Biton, a member of the 'Shuvo Banim' community. His mother learned of the arrest after he did not contact his family or acquaintances for 48 hours. After clarifying, it became clear that he was under arrest. 'Shuvo Banim' community activists, including Nathan Biton's friend - Binyamin Machlab, are working to release them. The activists are taking care to pay for a lawyer and an interpreter for the two, residents of Jerusalem and Safed. According to the activists, "the boys did not know that it was drugs and did a favor to the person who passed the packages through them." The activists are asking anyone who has the ability to help - to turn in their money as soon as possible. They are also calling on the public to pray for the release of the young man Nathan Ben Edna and Yosef Ben Rita.