Israel's Attorney General Refuses Shin Bet Chief's Request to Investigate Arab Lawmakers Without Evidence
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara refused Shin Bet head David Zini's request to investigate Arab lawmakers without sufficient evidence, citing legal principles. She also criticized the Shin Bet for delaying the handover of investigation materials to a special team. Zini had sought to investigate four senior Arab politicians, including Ahmad Tibi and Mansour Abbas, but evidence was only provided for one unnamed Knesset member. The delay is hindering the investigation's progress.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will not allow investigations without evidence, citing rule of law.
- Shin Bet head David Zini requested to investigate four senior Arab lawmakers.
- Baharav-Miara criticized Shin Bet for delaying evidence handover to a special team.
- Evidence was only provided for one unnamed Knesset member among those Zini sought to investigate.
- A special investigative team was formed on Justice Solberg's recommendation.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated that she will not permit the Shin Bet to investigate Arab lawmakers without sufficient evidence. She emphasized that in a lawful state, citizens and elected officials cannot be investigated without evidence justifying such action. Baharav-Miara also noted that the Shin Bet has not provided the collected investigation materials to a special investigative team for two days, causing delays in the process. This team was established on the recommendation of Justice Solberg and operates with police and prosecution involvement.
Baharav-Miara asserted that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to uncover the truth based on available materials, and that investigation decisions will be made according to the evidence presented. Earlier, it was reported that Shin Bet head David Zini had requested Baharav-Miara's approval to investigate four senior politicians from Arab parties under caution. These include a senior Knesset member whose identity is currently barred from publication, Ahmad Tibi, Mansour Abbas, and Sami Abu Shehadeh.
According to reports, significant evidence exists regarding the senior Knesset member, who is expected to be investigated under caution. Baharav-Miara had demanded evidence against the other lawmakers before approving their investigations, but only received materials concerning the senior member thus far. A report also mentioned an awkward moment during a meeting where Zini struggled to recall Mansour Abbas's name.
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