Police Investigator Closes Case of Officer Striking Citizen Over Traffic Ticket Dispute
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
An Israeli man, 'A', claims he suffered severe trauma after a police officer allegedly assaulted him during a dispute over a traffic ticket in September 2022. Despite video evidence and a complaint from the Public Defender's office, the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) closed the case, citing no suspicion of criminal offense. 'A' continues to experience anxiety and trauma, while the Public Defender's office has appealed Mahash's decision.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mahash closed the case of a police officer striking a citizen, citing no criminal offense.
- The citizen, 'A', claims the officer used excessive force during a dispute over a traffic ticket.
- Video evidence shows the officer throwing the citizen to the ground and striking him.
- The Public Defender's office called the decision questionable and appealed it.
- The citizen reports ongoing trauma, anxiety attacks, and sleepless nights.
- Mahash acknowledged the officer used force but deemed it part of an arrest attempt.
An Israeli man, identified as 'A', 28, from Ma'ale Iron in Wadi Ara, claims he has been suffering from severe trauma and anxiety attacks since a police officer allegedly assaulted him in September of last year. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred after a dispute over a traffic ticket. The man alleges the officer used excessive force, throwing him to the ground and striking him, despite his compliance with instructions.
Following the incident, 'A' was detained and questioned on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and malicious property damage. He also claims to have been assaulted again at the police station. The Public Defender's office in Haifa filed a formal complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), describing the event as a "severe, thuggish, and inexplicable outburst of violence" and demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for the officer.
However, Mahash has closed the investigation, stating that the officer's actions do not raise suspicion of a criminal offense. Mahash acknowledged that the officer used force to bring the man to the ground and struck him in the face, but concluded the force was used in the process of an attempted arrest after the man refused to accompany the officers. The department cited that the officer's conduct did not indicate a criminal offense.
'A' expressed deep disappointment, stating, "You can see the officer beating me." He added that the entire station's conduct is "below any criticism." The Public Defender's office criticized Mahash's decision, calling it "questionable" and suggesting it "legitimizes police violence against citizens." The Public Defender's office has appealed the decision to the State Prosecutor's Office, though the review process is ongoing.
'A' reports ongoing psychological distress, including sleepless nights and panic attacks whenever he encounters police, and requires ongoing psychological treatment.
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