UAE Authorities Identify Suspects in Rabbi Tsvi Kogan's Murder Amid Growing Tensions

UAE Authorities Identify Suspects in Rabbi Tsvi Kogan's Murder Amid Growing Tensions
November 25, 2024, 11:18 am

Tsvi Kogan

On Monday, UAE authorities revealed the identities of the perpetrators involved in the murder of Rabbi Tsvi Kogan, which occurred days earlier. The UAE Ministry of Interior announced that relevant security forces had commenced preliminary investigations with the three arrested suspects in preparation for their transfer to the public prosecution for further inquiries.

The security authorities disclosed that the suspects, who hold Uzbek citizenship, are: Olombi Tohirovich (28 years old), Mahmoud Jon Abdul Rahim (28 years old), and Azizbek Kamlovich (33 years old).

The ministry emphasized its commitment to swiftly uncovering details surrounding the incident, including its circumstances and motivations. They stressed their readiness to leverage their human and technical resources, which played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects. The ministry commended the vigilance of security agencies and their expedited procedures that enabled the prompt identification and arrest of the offenders.

In a separate development, the Iranian embassy in Abu Dhabi categorically denied allegations of Iran's involvement in the murder of the Jewish rabbi. In response to an inquiry from Reuters, the embassy stated, "We firmly reject claims suggesting Iran's involvement in the death of this individual."

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the murder of Rabbi Tsvi Kogan, labeling it a "heinous anti-Semitic terrorist act." The office asserted that Israel would employ all available means to bring those responsible for his death to justice.

Local authorities reported that Kogan, who resided in the UAE, also held Moldovan citizenship and was a representative of the Chabad religious movement based in New York. He was first reported missing on Thursday, with his body discovered on Sunday.

UAE Ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al-Otaiba, stated that Kogan's murder constituted a crime against the UAE and an "attack on our nation, values, and vision." He added in a statement: "We embrace peaceful coexistence and reject extremism and bigotry in all its forms."

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all Israeli agencies are participating in the investigation, with reports suggesting that Kogan was last seen at a kosher food store in Dubai.

Former Israeli politician Ayoob Kara informed Reuters in Dubai that Kogan's body was found in Al Ain city, although it remains unclear whether he was killed there or elsewhere.

In response to the incident, Israeli authorities reiterated their advisory against non-essential travel to the UAE, recommending that visitors limit their movements, stay in safe areas, and avoid locations associated with Israel and Jewish communities.

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