Israeli Police Admit Human Error Delayed Terror Incitement Investigation of Former MK Muhammad Baraka by Four Years

The Israeli Police acknowledged that a human error caused a four-year delay in investigating former Member of Knesset and former head of the Higher Follow-Up Committee, Muhammad Baraka, who was suspected of incitement to terrorism following a speech he gave in 2022. This admission came in response to an inquiry by the organization B'Tselem, which sought clarification on the reasons for the investigation's delay.

About a month ago, police from the Judea and Samaria District arrested Baraka as part of an ongoing investigation in the Samaria area, after obtaining the necessary legal approvals. Baraka initially refused to appear for questioning at the Ariel police station, arguing that the city is not within the State of Israel's jurisdiction. Consequently, the police issued an arrest warrant and brought him in for interrogation. After questioning, Baraka was brought before a court, which ordered his release under restrictive conditions.

Following these events, B'Tselem's CEO, Shai Glick, sent a letter to the Israeli Police and the State Prosecutor's Office demanding an explanation for why the investigation only began years after the complaint was filed. In response, Attorney Tamar Shira Segal from the Police Investigations Department confirmed the human error and stated that the incident was reviewed, lessons were learned to improve procedures, and efforts were made to prevent similar delays in the future. She also noted that Baraka was interrogated and the investigation was completed.

Shai Glick emphasized the seriousness of incitement cases, stating, "Words can kill. I call on the Israeli Police to immediately prioritize incitement cases, arrest suspects, and prosecute them promptly, not years later."