Israeli Civil Rights Group Appeals to Prosecute Police Over Strip Search of Protester in Tel Aviv

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has filed an appeal to the State Attorney demanding prosecution of police officers who conducted a strip search on protester Itamar Greenberg in Tel Aviv. Greenberg, 19 at the time, was arrested on March 3 during an anti-war demonstration at Habima Square. According to ACRI, after a search of his clothes and belongings yielded nothing, officers ordered a full strip search at the police station. Greenberg was made to stand in his underwear, then lower them to his knees, turn around, and squat. When he protested the legality of the search, he was allegedly threatened with forced removal of his underwear. The search reportedly took place in a room with internal windows allowing observation, and no search report was provided to Greenberg.

The Police Investigations Department (Mahash) closed the case in June, citing insufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing. However, ACRI argues that full strip searches are only lawful when there is reasonable suspicion that evidence is concealed on the person. They emphasize that prosecuting unlawful searches serves the public interest and urge the police to ensure officers follow legal procedures strictly. The case highlights concerns about police conduct during protests and the protection of detainees' rights in Israel.

Greenberg’s case has drawn attention to the practice of strip searches without proper legal grounds, prompting calls for clearer guidelines and accountability within Israeli law enforcement agencies.