AG opposes appointments in Police Internal Investigations Department: 'Fear of harming elections'

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara responded to the High Court of Justice against the Justice Minister's intention to advance political appointments in the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) during the election period. She argues that the committee for selecting the head of Mahash has been politicized, and that the appointments would create a chilling effect among police officers, investigators, and prosecutors. According to her, refraining from the appointments would not create a governmental vacuum, as there is an active unit with an experienced acting head. The High Court will discuss the petition.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted a sharp response to the High Court of Justice against the Justice Minister's intention to advance appointments in the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) during the election period. In her response, she argues that the committee for selecting the head of Mahash has been politicized, as the third representative was appointed with significant involvement of the minister's confidant. She warns that the appointments, which would be made in the midst of the election period, would create a severe 'chilling effect' and deterrence among police officers, investigators, and prosecutors, and would harm the functioning of the existing unit. Baharav-Miara rejects the claim that the law will only take effect after the elections, stating that it is a 'façade', as the core of the amendment takes effect immediately. According to her, refraining from the appointments would not create a governmental vacuum, as there is an active unit with an acting head, a senior and experienced attorney. She concludes that permanent appointments should be avoided during the election period unless there is a vital need. The High Court will discuss the petition and the question of advancing the appointments.