Despite Justice Ministry Objection: Plea Deal Approved for Prosecutor Suspected of Crimes

The court approved a plea deal with senior prosecutor Richard Saleh, a senior deputy in the Haifa District Attorney's Office, who was investigated in April 2024 by the Lahav 433 unit on suspicion of breach of trust, abuse of power, and obstruction of investigative proceedings. The Justice Ministry opposed the deal, arguing it was lenient, but its arguments were not accepted. Saleh received a severe reprimand, a financial penalty, and a three-year ban from state service.

The court approved a plea deal with senior prosecutor Richard Saleh, a senior deputy in the Haifa District Attorney's Office, as reported this evening (Tuesday) in the Kan News broadcast. Saleh was investigated in April 2024 by the police's Lahav 433 unit on suspicion of breach of trust, abuse of power, and obstruction of investigative proceedings. The Justice Ministry opposed the deal, arguing it was lenient. The Civil Service Commission gave the Justice Ministry three days to submit its reasons for opposition, but since they were not accepted, the deal was approved. Saleh received a severe reprimand, a financial penalty, and a three-year ban from state service. The court stated: "Acts of this kind harm public trust in the civil service and its image." Saleh's attorney responded: "After a comprehensive investigation and review of thousands of files, evidence was found for only one significant incident. My client decided not to fight a system that had marked him, and due to his desire to continue his life, he agreed to admit to a disciplinary offense and accept symbolic punishment."