Petition Demands Criminal Probe Against Channel 14 for Censorship Violations
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A "Forum of Swords of Iron Warriors" has petitioned Israel's Supreme Court demanding a criminal investigation into Channel 14 for alleged censorship violations and leaking classified wartime information. The petition cites over 13 documented breaches, including revealing intelligence assets and troop locations, arguing law enforcement has failed to act for over two years. Petitioners claim selective enforcement compared to other leak cases and seek a court order for an investigation or a ruling on pending complaints.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Petition filed with Israel's Supreme Court demanding criminal probe of Channel 14 for censorship violations.
- Allegations include leaking classified intelligence, operational details, and troop locations during wartime.
- The "Forum of Swords of Iron Warriors" claims over 13 documented breaches in the past two years.
- Petitioners cite selective enforcement compared to other leak cases by law enforcement.
- Specific incidents involve intelligence-gathering equipment, assassination hints, and troop movements in Lebanon.
A petition has been filed with Israel's Supreme Court (Bagatz) demanding a criminal investigation into Channel 14 and its employees for alleged violations of censorship laws and the leaking of classified information during wartime. The "Forum of Swords of Iron Warriors" submitted the petition, accusing law enforcement authorities of failing to act on complaints regarding the broadcast of sensitive intelligence and operational details.
The petitioners, led by Colonel (Res.) Hanoch Daube, a former tank battalion commander, argue that for over two years, Channel 14 has committed more than 13 documented breaches of censorship orders and the law. Specific incidents cited include the broadcast of details about Israeli intelligence-gathering equipment in Gaza in February 2024, which the Censor Committee deemed a severe violation providing the enemy with "free feedback." Other alleged violations include premature reports on military operations, hints about potential assassinations, and real-time disclosures of IDF troop locations in Lebanon, which the petition claims led to casualties.
The petition also details instances where the channel allegedly revealed operational plans discussed in sensitive security cabinet meetings and broadcast information despite gag orders, such as the arrest and interrogation of an individual by the Shin Bet. The petitioners assert that law enforcement has been selectively lenient, contrasting the lack of action against Channel 14 with swift investigations launched in other high-profile leak cases.
They are seeking a court order for a criminal investigation under caution against Channel 14, its staff, and information sources for offenses related to the disclosure and possession of secret information. Alternatively, they request the Deputy State Prosecutor to rule on the pending complaints without delay, the Head of Investigations to open an inquiry, and the Chief Censor to initiate administrative proceedings.
The petitioners previously filed detailed complaints in July and September, but received a response in July stating that the matter was being handled by the police and that their review was complete. The petitioners contend that the Deputy State Prosecutor is authorized to approve investigations into journalists and that their inaction constitutes an abdication of administrative authority. They have requested an urgent hearing on the petition.
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