Knesset Approves Mandatory Attorney Presence in Interrogations of Minors and People with Disabilities
The Knesset approved a law initiated by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, requiring the presence of an attorney in police interrogations of minors and individuals with mental or intellectual disabilities. The law was approved as a temporary order for five years, aimed at reducing false confessions and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.
The Knesset plenum yesterday (Tuesday) approved the bill initiated and promoted by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, which mandates the presence of an attorney in police interrogations of minors and individuals with mental or intellectual disabilities who are questioned as suspects. The law was approved as a temporary order for five years, with the possibility of extension, and stipulates that these populations are entitled to the presence of a lawyer, unless they waive the right in writing and with awareness. The law applies to minors and individuals diagnosed with autism, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, at least 20% mental disability, or a disability pension due to borderline intellectual functioning, who are not interrogated by a special investigator. However, there are exceptions: urgent interrogations, concerns about preventing a crime, disrupting the arrest of additional suspects, security interrogations, or serious organized crime. The law sets rules for the lawyer's conduct during the interrogation, including a prohibition on interference, recording, and documentation, but allows note-taking that will be filed in the case. Violation of the rules may lead to termination of the interrogation or removal of the lawyer. The Ministry of Justice noted that the law will strengthen suspects' rights and reduce false confessions. The Public Defender, Attorney Anat Meisad-Kna'an, welcomed the legislation, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin adopted the recommendations of the Committee on the Prevention of Wrongful Convictions.