Top Judge Accused of Violating Minister's Rights in Court

The Commissioner for Complaints Against Judges, Asher Kula, has ruled that Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Justices Alex Stein and Gila Kenfy-Steinitz violated the right to be heard and principles of natural justice during a hearing concerning the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council. The complaint was filed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi.

Kula determined that the judges infringed upon Karhi's right to present his arguments and natural justice by not allowing his position to be properly heard before a decision was made. The investigation focused on how the minister's stance was considered within the proceedings.

"It would have been appropriate to hear all positions accurately in the minister's hearing and, consequently, in the decision-making component," Kula stated. He added that the complaint was justified and that circumstances warranted its review.

Despite the ruling, no reprimand was issued to the judges. Kula noted that Karhi ultimately suffered no actual harm because his position was fully heard, albeit with a delay. The commissioner concluded that the complaint's review was exhausted following his findings.