MK Ofer Cassif Convicted of Assaulting Police Officer
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif was convicted of assaulting a police officer during a protest four years ago. The court rejected Cassif's claims of parliamentary immunity, self-defense, and selective enforcement, finding he intentionally struck the officer and responded disproportionately. Cassif called the conviction a political persecution and vowed to continue fighting against the occupation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MK Ofer Cassif was convicted of assaulting a police officer during a protest four years ago.
- The court rejected Cassif's claims of parliamentary immunity, self-defense, and selective enforcement.
- Cassif called the conviction a political persecution against those opposing the occupation.
- The incident occurred during a protest in the Masafer Yatta area on May 13, 2022.
- Cassif allegedly hurled insults and then struck the officer, causing pain.
- The court found Cassif acted with intent and his response was disproportionate.
Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif has been convicted by the Magistrate's Court of assaulting a police officer during an incident four years ago. Cassif, who was found guilty of violence against a police officer, stated that his conviction was not surprising and is part of a "political persecution" against those who oppose the occupation and advocate for democracy, justice, and peace. He asserted that attempts to silence dissenting voices through legal means demonstrate fear of uncomfortable truths and a politically motivated system, particularly by those he described as "serial offenders" who terrorize Palestinians in Masafer Yatta and the West Bank.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on May 13, 2022, during protests near Hebron following a Supreme Court ruling concerning villages in the Masafer Yatta area. Cassif arrived at the protest, which was declared a closed military zone. When security forces stopped his parliamentary aide from bringing Cassif's vehicle into the protest area, Cassif attempted to drive it himself. A Border Police officer informed Cassif that he could not proceed due to safety concerns and the route leading to Area A, which is off-limits to Israelis. Cassif claimed his parliamentary immunity allowed him free passage, but the officer refused.
During the ensuing argument, Cassif allegedly hurled insults at the officer, including "filthy liar," "crook," "criminal," and "zero zero." He then allegedly struck the officer forcefully on the left side of his head, causing pain to his head and leg. Cassif denied the charges, claiming parliamentary immunity, accidental contact with his vehicle, and self-defense after the officer allegedly poked him. He also raised a claim of selective enforcement.
The court rejected all of Cassif's defense arguments. It ruled that security forces acted lawfully and with full authority for security and safety reasons. The court determined that Cassif's parliamentary immunity allowed him freedom of movement on foot but did not grant him the right to endanger people or obstruct police by driving a vehicle. The court found beyond a reasonable doubt that Cassif intentionally struck the officer with his vehicle and that his physical response was disproportionate and not justifiable as self-defense. The claim of selective enforcement was also dismissed due to a clear lack of evidence and no procedural flaws by the prosecution.
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