Police Unit Closes Case of Officer Caught on Camera Assaulting Citizen
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) has closed a case against an officer filmed striking a civilian after a traffic stop dispute. Mahash confirmed the officer used force but deemed it reasonable during an arrest attempt, finding no criminal offense. The civilian, who claims he was traumatized and assaulted, expressed disappointment, and the Public Defender's office has appealed the decision.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mahash closed a case against an officer filmed striking a civilian, citing no criminal offense.
- The incident involved a traffic stop dispute where the officer knocked the civilian to the ground and struck him.
- The civilian claims the officer used unreasonable force and has suffered trauma and anxiety attacks.
- The Public Defender's office called the violence severe and unjustified, demanding prosecution.
- Mahash confirmed force was used but deemed it reasonable during an arrest attempt.
- The Public Defender's office has appealed Mahash's decision to the State Prosecutor's Office.
An Israeli police officer filmed striking a civilian and knocking him to the ground has been cleared of wrongdoing, with the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) closing the case. The incident occurred in September of last year when the civilian, identified as 'A', a 28-year-old from Ma'ale Iron in Wadi Ara, was stopped for speeding. According to the report, when 'A' asked why he was being stopped, the officer exited his vehicle, forcefully knocked him to the ground, and struck him. Another officer then joined in subduing 'A'.
'A' claims the officer used unreasonable force despite his compliance and that the event has left him traumatized, suffering from anxiety attacks whenever he sees a police car. He required medical attention and is undergoing psychological treatment. Following the incident, 'A' was detained and questioned on suspicion of assaulting an officer and malicious property damage, though he alleges he was assaulted again at the police station before being released.
The Public Defender's office in Haifa filed a formal complaint with Mahash, describing the event as a "severe, thuggish, and inexplicable outburst of violence" that occurred without prior provocation. They demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of the officer.
Mahash confirmed that the officer used force to knock 'A' to the ground and struck him in the face, but concluded that the force was used in the process of an arrest attempt after the young man refused to accompany the officers. The department stated that the officer's conduct did not raise suspicion of a criminal offense and closed the case. Mahash investigated by taking testimonies, questioning the officer under caution, and reviewing video footage, bodycam recordings, and medical documents.
'A' expressed disappointment, stating, "You can see the officer beating me." 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.
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