A man has been apprehended by authorities in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, for allegedly harassing and stealing signs from a Pro-Palestinian protester earlier this month. The incident occurred on July 3, just before noon, when a 56-year-old woman was peacefully protesting on the sidewalk of Route 202 and Henderson Road.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect, identified as Ilya Zaslavskiy, abruptly stopped his vehicle, exited, and confronted the protester while forcibly taking her signs. Following the incident, Zaslavskiy fled the scene, evading immediate capture.
On July 5, police obtained an arrest warrant for Zaslavskiy, charging him with theft by unlawful taking, harassment, ethnic intimidation, and additional offenses. After diligent efforts, investigators successfully located and recognized Zaslavskiy on July 12, leading to his arrest by an Upper Merion police officer. Subsequently, he was released on a $10,000 unsecured bail.
The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement in response to the initial incident, urging the Upper Merion Township Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office to pursue the maximum possible charges against the assailant, including hate crime charges. The organization emphasized the importance of protecting free speech for all Americans and expressed concern over the repeated assaults the protester has endured in the same location.
The arrest of Zaslavskiy marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and sends a message that such acts of harassment and theft will not be tolerated. The case will now proceed through the legal system, where the evidence will be presented and the appropriate charges will be determined.
