On March 31, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court issued death sentences to three individuals for the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an act characterized as premeditated and with terrorist intent.
UAE Court Sentences Three to Death for Murder of Israeli Rabbi
UAE Court Sentences Three to Death for Murder of Israeli Rabbi
The case raises concerns regarding the safety of the Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates has made headlines following the sentencing of three individuals to death for the abduction and murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli Moldovan rabbi, in a crime that has sparked concerns for the safety of the growing Jewish community within the nation. Reported by the state news agency, WAM, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court's State Security Chamber rendered this verdict on March 31, 2025, citing the crime as a "premeditated murder with terrorist intention."
Alongside the three death sentences, a fourth individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, received a life sentence followed by deportation, albeit life sentences in the UAE often lead to release after about 20 years. Authorities previously identified the convicted murderers as Olimboy Tohirovich, Makhmudjon Abdurakhim, both 28 years old, and 33-year-old Azizbek Kamilovich, all originating from Uzbekistan. Photos of the suspects, blindfolded and shackled, were released after their extradition from Turkey.
WAM's report disclosed that the defendants had meticulously tracked and subsequently murdered the victim, presenting evidence that included detailed confessions, forensic findings, and witness testimonies during the trial. However, the authorities did not disclose a specific motive for the murder of Rabbi Kogan, who was only 28 years old at the time of his death. Additionally, details regarding the circumstances of his kidnapping and homicide were also kept under wraps.
Alongside the three death sentences, a fourth individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, received a life sentence followed by deportation, albeit life sentences in the UAE often lead to release after about 20 years. Authorities previously identified the convicted murderers as Olimboy Tohirovich, Makhmudjon Abdurakhim, both 28 years old, and 33-year-old Azizbek Kamilovich, all originating from Uzbekistan. Photos of the suspects, blindfolded and shackled, were released after their extradition from Turkey.
WAM's report disclosed that the defendants had meticulously tracked and subsequently murdered the victim, presenting evidence that included detailed confessions, forensic findings, and witness testimonies during the trial. However, the authorities did not disclose a specific motive for the murder of Rabbi Kogan, who was only 28 years old at the time of his death. Additionally, details regarding the circumstances of his kidnapping and homicide were also kept under wraps.
