Israel Bar Association demands action against police officer for remarks on lawyers

The Israel Bar Association called for disciplinary measures against senior police officer Yoni Hajaj after he said in a podcast he would paint 30-50% of criminal defense lawyers blue and throw them into the sea, and called them liars.

The Israel Bar Association has turned to Police Commissioner Danny Levy today, demanding disciplinary measures and even a review of legal aspects against Coastal District Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner Yoni Hajaj. The appeal follows an interview the officer gave on a filmed podcast, while wearing his official uniform, in which he harshly criticized criminal defense lawyers and the prosecution. Among other things, he allegedly called lawyers "liars", accused them of obstructing investigations as part of their work, and said he would "fold 30 to 50 percent of them, paint them blue, and throw them into the sea." The head of the association, attorney Amit Bachar, and acting head, attorney Tami Ulman, emphasized that this is wild incitement and bloodletting, and warned that such statements from a senior officer are particularly severe in a period of growing violence against lawyers.