The Federal Appeals Court of Abu Dhabi has sentenced three suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan to death. It was also revealed that their accomplice received a life sentence for “premeditated murder with terrorist intentions,” Fergana news agency reports, citing WAM news agency.
In January of this year, the country’s Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi, ordered an expedited investigation after the case materials were sent to court. The investigation concluded that all the defendants confessed to tracking and killing the victim. The prosecution provided additional evidence in the form of forensic expert reports, autopsy results, information about the murder weapon, and witness testimony.
The three primary suspects in the rabbi's murder were ultimately sentenced to death, and their accomplice was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the media does not clarify whether the fourth defendant is also a citizen of Uzbekistan.
According to the laws of the UAE, verdicts involving the death penalty are automatically appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.
Commenting on the verdict, the country’s Attorney General noted that the court decision reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism in accordance with the highest standards of justice and the rule of law. Al-Shamsi said that the Emirates is a global model of coexistence and tolerance, where the law protects all residents regardless of religion or ethnicity, ensuring their safety.
It was reported earlier that three suspects in the rabbi's murder would face the death penalty. These are citizens of Uzbekistan, who appeared in police reports—28-year-old Olimpi Tohirovich (most likely called Olimboy), 28-year-old Mahmoudjon Abdurrahim, and 33-year-old Azizi Kamilovich.
According to several Uzbek media outlets, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan confirmed the harsh verdict, but the department did not provide any details about the court proceedings.
Tzvi Kogan, is a 28-year-old UAE-based rabbi with Israeli and Moldovan citizenship, was the head of the Orthodox Jewish group "Chabad" in the UAE and also the deputy chief rabbi of the country. The clergy's family reported his disappearance on November 21, 2024. A few days later, the police discovered Kogan's body and began an investigation into his murder.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the murder of the rabbi, calling it a "horrible terrorist act." Officials added that they would do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice. Israeli intelligence agency Mossad was involved in the process of determining the circumstances of the incident.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel says Kogan worked to expand Jewish life in the UAE following the historic Abraham Accords that forged diplomatic relations between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, including ensuring the wide availability of kosher food and opening the first Jewish education center in the country. He was buried in November at Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives cemetery.
