A UK Rabbi named Jonathan Abraham, aged 47, from North London has been granted permission to return back to Britain, while awaiting his trial relating to an unauthorised circumcision of a baby boy conducted in Dublin. The ruling was made by Ms Justice Karen O’Connor at the High Court in Cloverhill, Dublin after determining that Mr Abraham, who had been in prison custody for almost three weeks, posed no flight threat.
Mr Abraham was apprehended on July 30th in Dublin for carrying out a surgical procedure, specifically male circumcision, on a minor without being a certified medical practitioner, in Dublin 15. The individual, a family man with ten children and a British national from North London, was denied bail at the District Court, which led to new bail application made at the High Court.
Rabbi Abraham, who is also a member of the Initiation Society, the most established Anglo-Jewish establishment founded in 1745 and a trained mohel in the UK, found support from Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder of Ireland, who not only affirmed his integrity but also volunteered to pay bail and provide him with living arrangements in Dublin, if needed.
Ms Justice O’Connor issued bail of €50,000 that was to be paid by the Jewish community and an additional €10,000 contributed by Mr Wieder, who would act as an independent surety. The court was informed during the bail hearing that a mohel had never been prosecuted this way and Mr Abraham could be remanded in custody for up to two years while waiting for his trial if bail was not granted.
Mr Abraham’s defence argued his intention to challenge the case, gaining international interest and highlighted the full support he is receiving from the entire Jewish community.
Justice O’Connor stated that the Government failed to prove he posed a flight risk which is necessary to deny bail. The judge acknowledged the burden his imprisonment placed on his kin and affirmed that it should not be required for him to live in Ireland given his trial may not take place for another two years.
Mr. Abraham briefly testified, responding with, “Yes, fully understood, judge,” upon hearing his bail conditions. As part of these conditions, he must own a mobile phone, offer its number to the police within 48 hours of his discharge and be prepared to receive a call six days a week. However, Saturdays, being the Sabbath, and certain dates when religious festivities would leave him unavailable, are exempted from this condition.
In addition, Mr. Abraham is required to daily touch base with the Cabra Police station in Dublin, keep them apprised of any changes in his residential address and refrain from any direct or indirect communication with witnesses, including through social media platforms.
The offence, which is against the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, can amount to a €130,000 penalty and a maximum five-year sentence in the Circuit Court. However, in the District Court, the sentence could be a six-month jail stint or a €5,000 fine.
Further instructions regarding the venue for the accused’s trial are pending from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the case is set for listing in the District Court in September.