Top Police Commander Accuses Prosecutors of Misusing Cases
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Commander Boaz Balt, head of the Israel Police's Investigations and Intelligence Directorate, has accused the State Prosecutor's Office of using criminal cases as leverage and the Police Internal Investigations Department of similar tactics against officers. Balt also criticized the handling of crime in the Arab community and the prosecution's focus on public corruption. A statement from Balt's office claimed his remarks were taken out of context and that inter-organizational criticism is legitimate.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police Commander Boaz Balt accused prosecutors of using criminal cases as pressure tools.
- Balt claimed the Police Internal Investigations Department uses similar tactics against officers.
- He criticized the prosecution's focus on public corruption over other crimes.
- Balt highlighted insufficient progress in cases related to crime in the Arab community.
- His office stated his remarks were taken out of context and criticism is constructive.
Commander Boaz Balt, head of the Israel Police's Investigations and Intelligence Directorate, has leveled sharp accusations against the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), alleging they use criminal cases as leverage and employ similar tactics against police officers. Recordings of Balt's statements, revealed Sunday by Channel 12 News, indicate his belief that the legal system uses criminal files to pressure individuals and that crime in the Arab community is not adequately addressed.
Balt, who has led the directorate for about two years, criticized the management of investigations and the conduct of law enforcement bodies. A key complaint was that cases are held for extended periods without significant progress. "I don't like it when the police are used as a tool. There are quite a few incidents where anyone with common sense understands these are 'drawer cases,' you know, pressure tools they use on people, put in a drawer, nothing is done with them for a year. After a year, they take them out and conduct a supplementary investigation," Balt was heard saying.
He extended similar criticisms to Mahash, the unit responsible for investigating police officers. "They use the same tools against police officers through Mahash. If you deviate in any way, you need to be summoned to the 'chair of thoughts,'" he stated, implying undue scrutiny.
Balt's critique also encompassed the broader functioning of the State Prosecutor's Office, which he claimed prioritizes public corruption cases over other types of crime. He specifically pointed to the handling of cases related to crime in the Arab community, asserting that some remain unresolved. "Today, the State Prosecutor's Office in Israel is not managed. It is managed solely in one niche called public corruption, and all other matters are as if they don't concern them. It's as if they don't belong to them," Balt elaborated.
In response, a statement attributed to Balt said, "Beyond the fact that the remarks were taken out of context, substantive criticism between organizations is legitimate and constructive, and is voiced in joint forums. The police, the prosecution, and the Attorney General's office work in close cooperation, shoulder to shoulder, to enforce the law and safeguard democracy."
Mentioned
