Lawyer Claims "Dark Details" Emerging in Netanyahu Trial

Attorney Kineret Barashi claims that "illegal conduct" by law enforcement, prosecutors, and investigators is being revealed in the ongoing trial of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite a lack of media attention. Speaking to Arutz 7, Barashi stated that investigators have allegedly "taken the law into their own hands," acting outside their authority, conducting secret surveillance, and misleading the court.

Barashi specifically alleged that investigations into Netanyahu required approval from the Attorney General, which she claims was not obtained. Instead, she described a scenario where investigators allegedly approached individuals connected to Netanyahu, ostensibly to investigate them, but actually to gather information on the former prime minister, thereby circumventing the need for approval. She also pointed to alleged failures in documenting investigations, citing the case of key witness Ben Caspit, who she described as a police informant whose communications were not properly recorded.

According to Barashi, a senior police investigator admitted under oath to meeting Caspit in a cafe without recording the conversation. When confronted with a recording of the meeting, the investigator's testimony was challenged. Barashi further asserted that the prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence, such as this recording, from the defense, an act she deems illegal. She questioned the law enforcement's commitment to truth-seeking if they are concealing evidence.

Barashi also criticized the media, particularly public broadcaster Channel 11, for not covering these alleged revelations, suggesting it's due to the stories not aligning with the management's agenda. She highlighted instances where witnesses allegedly suffer from "selective amnesia" regarding events, while simultaneously demanding others recall details from years ago. She contrasted this with the treatment of individuals like Nir Hefetz, who she claimed was held in harsh conditions.

Looking ahead, Barashi identified the upcoming testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit as a crucial point, expecting him to address the lack of investigation approvals. She dismissed claims of verbal approval and suggested investigators acted with political motives. Barashi anticipates Mandelblit will be questioned about his decision to indict Netanyahu on bribery charges, especially after the court twice sought to remove the bribery count due to a lack of evidence. She also referenced a recording where Mandelblit reportedly spoke of being "held by the throat" by various parties.