State Attorney Issman Clashes With Government Over Prosecutor's Role
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
State Attorney Amit Issman stated the State Attorney's Office is not the government's private law firm, asserting its professional independence. He spoke at a Ministry of Justice event in Eilat, detailing the office's handling of complex challenges and its duty to the public interest. Issman also emphasized the need for resources and a proper evidentiary basis for investigations, stressing inter-system cooperation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- State Attorney Amit Issman stated the prosecution is not the government's private law firm.
- Issman stressed the prosecution's duty to represent the state and public interest.
- He acknowledged the elected leadership's authority but affirmed professional independence.
- Issman highlighted the office's response to unprecedented challenges over three years.
- He called for investment in personnel and resources for a more effective prosecution.
- Issman asserted that investigations require a sufficient evidentiary basis.
State Attorney Amit Issman declared on Sunday that the State Attorney's Office is not the government's private law firm, emphasizing its duty to represent the state and the public interest within the bounds of the law. Speaking at an annual Ministry of Justice seminar in Eilat, Issman stated that while he respects the elected leadership's authority to set policy, the prosecution's professional responsibility does not end where disagreements begin.
Issman highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by state institutions over the past three years, noting that the State Attorney's Office has risen to meet them with pride. These challenges spanned various areas, including adapting to a changing security landscape, addressing novel legal issues, and continuing routine work against serious and organized crime, as well as protecting state assets and representing it in court.
He stressed that improving the prosecution's efficiency and effectiveness requires investment in personnel, resources, technology, and infrastructure. Issman also addressed claims of election fraud and manipulation, asserting that in a democracy, opening an investigation, especially one involving a warning to an individual, requires a sufficient evidentiary basis.
Issman concluded by underscoring the importance of cooperation and mutual respect between the prosecution and other systems, such as the legal advisor to the government, despite their different roles and occasional differing positions. He stated that the ability of both systems to professionally and effectively fulfill their duties is a vital interest for Israel and its public.