Police Investigations Chief Accuses Prosecutors of Using Cases as Leverage
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Police Investigations Chief Boaz Balt has been recorded accusing the State Prosecutor's Office of using dormant criminal cases as leverage against civilians and police officers. Political commentator Amit Segal broadcast the recordings, criticizing the alleged practice. Balt stated that cases are held for extended periods and then reopened to apply pressure. Segal called for explanations from the current State Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, in light of these accusations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police Investigations Chief Boaz Balt accused prosecutors of using dormant cases as pressure tools.
- Balt stated that cases are held for a year before being reopened for supplementary investigation.
- He also claimed the PID uses similar tactics against police officers who deviate.
- Commentator Amit Segal revealed the recordings and called for explanations from the State Attorney General.
- Segal contrasted Balt's claims with the Attorney General's recent statements on equitable investigations.
Political commentator Amit Segal revealed dramatic recordings on Sunday in which Police Investigations and Intelligence Chief Superintendent Boaz Balt is heard accusing the State Prosecutor's Office of holding criminal cases against citizens as a means of pressure. Balt, who has served in his role for approximately two years, described the alleged use of long-dormant cases that are reopened to exert pressure on those involved.
"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 done with it for a year. After a year, they take it out and do a supplementary investigation," Balt stated in the recording.
Balt also accused the Police Investigations Department (PID) of using investigations as leverage against police officers. "They use the same tools against police officers through PID. If you deviate in any way, you will be summoned to the 'thinking chair,'" he was heard saying, referring to the interrogation chair.
Segal commented on the revelations, questioning how the police's top investigator believes prosecutors use criminal cases to target individuals they dislike. He highlighted that Balt's statements suggest cases are kept in reserve and then used for pressure when someone becomes inconvenient. Segal also noted that Balt claimed officers who think differently are placed on the 'thinking chair.'
Segal contrasted Balt's remarks with the State Attorney General's recent explanation regarding the Shin Bet affair, where she stated that investigations in Israel are conducted only when there is evidence and are carried out equitably. Segal called for explanations from Gali Baharav-Miara, citing that if the "number one investigator" in the police and a former Attorney General (Avichai Mandelblit) have made such claims, it is time for answers.
Mentioned
