UAE Court Sentences Killers of Rabbi Zvi Kogan to Death
Three defendants receive death penalty for premeditated murder with terrorist intent, while a fourth accomplice is sentenced to life imprisonment.
On Monday, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Chamber unanimously convicted four individuals involved in the kidnapping and murder of Zvi Kogan, a Moldovan-Israeli citizen, sentencing three of them to death and a fourth to life imprisonment.
The court found the three primary defendants guilty of premeditated murder with terrorist intentions, while the fourth accomplice was also implicated in the crime.
The identities of the condemned were revealed to be three Uzbek nationals: Olimpi Tohirovic (28), Mahmoud John Abdel Rahim (28), and Azizbek Kamilovic (33).
The incident, which occurred in late November 2024, began when Kogan's family reported him missing on November 21. Authorities confirmed his murder three days later, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects.
Investigations indicated that Kogan had been stalked prior to his death.
Subsequent arrests were facilitated by collaboration with Turkish authorities, who apprehended the suspects when they fled to Turkey.
The Turkish government extradited them to the UAE upon request.
Evidence presented at trial included detailed confessions by the suspects, forensic evidence, autopsy reports, tools used in the crime, and witness testimonies.
Following deliberations, the court ruled unanimously on the death sentence for the three defendants directly involved in the murder and a life sentence for the fourth, subject to deportation post-sentence.
According to UAE law, all death penalty sentences are automatically eligible for appeal.
The ruling will be reviewed by the Criminal Cassation Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court.
UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi emphasized the verdict's alignment with the nation’s commitment to counter-terrorism, upholding justice and rule of law.
He reiterated the UAE judiciary's resolve to tackle threats against national security and societal stability.
Rabbi Zvi Kogan, 28, was an emissary for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in the UAE, residing in Abu Dhabi with his wife, Rivky, and was known for operating a kosher grocery store.
His murder prompted widespread shock within the international Jewish community, with calls for accountability from global leaders.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office condemned the act as heinous, and the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all residents and visitors.
In a broader context, responses to the murder included statements from various officials, including Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, who underscored the nation’s dedication to safety and coexistence.
Meanwhile, the United States condemned the murder as a crime against peace and emphasized ongoing collaboration with both Israeli and UAE authorities to support the investigation.
The incident has raised international attention regarding safety concerns and the legal measures taken by the UAE in response to violent crime within its borders.
The court found the three primary defendants guilty of premeditated murder with terrorist intentions, while the fourth accomplice was also implicated in the crime.
The identities of the condemned were revealed to be three Uzbek nationals: Olimpi Tohirovic (28), Mahmoud John Abdel Rahim (28), and Azizbek Kamilovic (33).
The incident, which occurred in late November 2024, began when Kogan's family reported him missing on November 21. Authorities confirmed his murder three days later, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects.
Investigations indicated that Kogan had been stalked prior to his death.
Subsequent arrests were facilitated by collaboration with Turkish authorities, who apprehended the suspects when they fled to Turkey.
The Turkish government extradited them to the UAE upon request.
Evidence presented at trial included detailed confessions by the suspects, forensic evidence, autopsy reports, tools used in the crime, and witness testimonies.
Following deliberations, the court ruled unanimously on the death sentence for the three defendants directly involved in the murder and a life sentence for the fourth, subject to deportation post-sentence.
According to UAE law, all death penalty sentences are automatically eligible for appeal.
The ruling will be reviewed by the Criminal Cassation Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court.
UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi emphasized the verdict's alignment with the nation’s commitment to counter-terrorism, upholding justice and rule of law.
He reiterated the UAE judiciary's resolve to tackle threats against national security and societal stability.
Rabbi Zvi Kogan, 28, was an emissary for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in the UAE, residing in Abu Dhabi with his wife, Rivky, and was known for operating a kosher grocery store.
His murder prompted widespread shock within the international Jewish community, with calls for accountability from global leaders.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office condemned the act as heinous, and the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all residents and visitors.
In a broader context, responses to the murder included statements from various officials, including Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, who underscored the nation’s dedication to safety and coexistence.
Meanwhile, the United States condemned the murder as a crime against peace and emphasized ongoing collaboration with both Israeli and UAE authorities to support the investigation.
The incident has raised international attention regarding safety concerns and the legal measures taken by the UAE in response to violent crime within its borders.
