Israeli Knesset Passes Historic Law Mandating Lawyers for Minors and Disabled During Police Interrogations

The Israeli Knesset has approved a groundbreaking law requiring the presence of a defense attorney during police interrogations of minors and individuals with disabilities. Passed in its second and third readings, the legislation was spearheaded by Labor and Welfare Committee Chair Michal Waldiger and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. This law marks the first time that suspects who are minors or have intellectual disabilities, autism, or mental impairments are guaranteed legal representation during questioning.

The reform aims to protect human rights by preventing false confessions and ensuring fair police and judicial procedures. Justice Minister Levin hailed the law as a historic revolution aligning Israel with leading democracies worldwide, emphasizing that it will prevent fabricated cases and abusive interrogation tactics. He pledged to continue safeguarding basic rights and equality before the law.

Michal Waldiger highlighted the law's moral and legal significance, stating it reflects society's treatment of its most vulnerable members and ensures their voices are protected. The law's implementation is expected to reduce wrongful convictions and may pave the way for extending legal representation rights to all suspects in the future, following international democratic standards.