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In first, Israeli COVID-19 carrier indicted for attending rave, despite diagnosis

The 24-year-old defendant is accused of knowingly endangering the lives of the more than 20 other party guests.

Illustrative photo of the set-up of a rave on Moshav Hodaya. Credit: Israel Police.
Illustrative photo of the set-up of a rave on Moshav Hodaya. Credit: Israel Police.

Israel’s Southern District Attorney’s Office submitted an indictment on Monday to the Beersheva Magistrate’s Court against a confirmed coronavirus patient who violated his quarantine to attend a rave—an organized dance party at an outdoor festival, warehouse or other private property or public space—the Hebrew news site 0404 reported on Monday.

The indictment—the first of its kind in Israel—stated that the 24-year-old defendant “intentionally committed an act that is liable to spread a disease with a mortal risk,” according to the report.

The indictment further stated that the defendant knew he was infected with COVID-19 and was aware that he was endangering the health of the more than 20 other people at the party, which took place at Moshav Hodaya, near the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

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