Right-Wing Group Urges Israeli Attorney General to Expedite Ofer Cassif’s Trial Verdict

The right-wing organization B’Tselem has formally requested the Israeli Attorney General to accelerate the judicial decision in the trial of Knesset member Ofer Cassif. This demand follows a precedent set during the previous elections when the prosecution expedited the investigation and trial process of former Knesset member Dr. Michael Ben Ari.

The appeal comes after Central District Court Judge Ron Solkin ruled last week that the prosecution hastened the collection of evidence against Ben Ari due to the upcoming elections. Internal prosecution communications explicitly referenced Ben Ari’s electoral candidacy as a reason for speeding up the legal process. B’Tselem argues that the same principle of equal treatment should apply to Cassif, who is accused of assaulting a police officer during a 2022 protest.

Cassif’s trial has concluded, and the court is awaiting a verdict. A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude could impact his eligibility to run in the forthcoming elections. B’Tselem emphasized in their letter that "one law must apply to all candidates, especially in a case that has reached its conclusion and now only awaits judicial ruling."

While the final verdict is solely the court’s responsibility, B’Tselem notes that the prosecution, which manages the case, can request an expedited ruling under certain circumstances. It remains to be seen whether the Attorney General will act to speed up Cassif’s verdict as was done with Ben Ari or adopt a different approach.