A man claiming to be Israel’s prophesied messiah was arrested in the central town of Lod last week after he assaulted the local mayor.
Appearing in court on Wednesday, it was unclear exactly why the defendant was upset with Lod Mayor Yair Revivo, but it seemed to have something to do with the municipality removing some construction he had done without proper permits.
What was clear was that the man did not view the court as having any authority over him, and was unwilling to let a pubic defender represent him.
“The Holy One, blessed be He, the Creator of all, is managing my affairs quite well,” he insisted. “I have already told you that I am the Messiah. Is this so difficult to accept?”
When the judge decided to extend the man’s detention while the case continues, the “Messiah” passed his own judgement: “I need to get out of here for the final redemption. If I am the Messiah, I don’t have time for police and courts. This will be the last sentence you ever pass.”