26 may 2013
As 'salt of the earth' trio awaits sentencing, local Jewish community expresses concern both for welfare of detainees, image of Jewish businesses
Three young Israelis are imprisoned in Hong Kong, awaiting their sentences for allegedly trying to smuggle out some 342 kilos (754 pounds) of gold from the China-controlled island. In addition to multiple gold barrels, during the arrest of Yoav Chen, Daniel Fadlon and Omer Gavish police found four five-carat diamonds in their possession. While the former two have owned up to the counts of smuggling last week in hope to reduce their sentences, Gavish pleaded innocence before the court of law.
The hearings ended last week, and now the three are awaiting their sentences, which are expected to be announced in a week or two. Maximum punishment for attempted smuggling in Hong Kong can reach life sentence and even capital punishment, although either is extremely unlikely in this case.
Hong Kong has abolished capital punishment in 1993; however some cases, including smugglers, are redirected to China, the world's most prolific practitioner of execution, due to overload of the legal system.
"He's a good boy, real 'salt of the earth,' he has nothing to be ashamed of," Gavish's mother Dalia, a resident of a kibbutz in northern Israel told Yedioth Ahronoth. "He's just a pawn in the whole business. He worked in naval security after finishing his military service, he travelled a lot. Then someone offered him a job as a security guard in Hong Kong about a year ago. He went there and got himself mixed up in that unsavory affair." Dalia Gavish added she visited her son in prison, where he was in good health and optimistic regarding his acquittal.
The three Israelis were arrested after local authorities noticed the suspiciously high frequency of their comings and goings in and out of Hong Kong. In the last few days rumors were afoot among the local Jewish community – which, standing at some 5,000 is the largest in Asia – that the three were smuggling more than just barrels of gold, namely both light and hard drugs.
"It sounds like a sad story of three good kids, salt of the earth, graduates of select combat units, which felt into a trap set by a drug baron," a source in the community said Saturday.
"We are hoping for the sake of these kids and their families that the authorities let them return to Israel, though, based on past precedents, this system shows no mercy. We are hoping this story doesn't stain the whole community, as many of the Jewish businesses here are based around diamonds."
Three young Israelis are imprisoned in Hong Kong, awaiting their sentences for allegedly trying to smuggle out some 342 kilos (754 pounds) of gold from the China-controlled island. In addition to multiple gold barrels, during the arrest of Yoav Chen, Daniel Fadlon and Omer Gavish police found four five-carat diamonds in their possession. While the former two have owned up to the counts of smuggling last week in hope to reduce their sentences, Gavish pleaded innocence before the court of law.
The hearings ended last week, and now the three are awaiting their sentences, which are expected to be announced in a week or two. Maximum punishment for attempted smuggling in Hong Kong can reach life sentence and even capital punishment, although either is extremely unlikely in this case.
Hong Kong has abolished capital punishment in 1993; however some cases, including smugglers, are redirected to China, the world's most prolific practitioner of execution, due to overload of the legal system.
"He's a good boy, real 'salt of the earth,' he has nothing to be ashamed of," Gavish's mother Dalia, a resident of a kibbutz in northern Israel told Yedioth Ahronoth. "He's just a pawn in the whole business. He worked in naval security after finishing his military service, he travelled a lot. Then someone offered him a job as a security guard in Hong Kong about a year ago. He went there and got himself mixed up in that unsavory affair." Dalia Gavish added she visited her son in prison, where he was in good health and optimistic regarding his acquittal.
The three Israelis were arrested after local authorities noticed the suspiciously high frequency of their comings and goings in and out of Hong Kong. In the last few days rumors were afoot among the local Jewish community – which, standing at some 5,000 is the largest in Asia – that the three were smuggling more than just barrels of gold, namely both light and hard drugs.
"It sounds like a sad story of three good kids, salt of the earth, graduates of select combat units, which felt into a trap set by a drug baron," a source in the community said Saturday.
"We are hoping for the sake of these kids and their families that the authorities let them return to Israel, though, based on past precedents, this system shows no mercy. We are hoping this story doesn't stain the whole community, as many of the Jewish businesses here are based around diamonds."
25 may 2013
Murdered sisters, Asinad and Ramais
Dismissal of officer whose station failed to prevent murder of two young girls presented by police as quick response to failure, but Ynet learns commander asked to step down immediately after incident. Police: Commissioner adopted committee's recommendations before officer's appeal
Dismissal or resignation? After being criticized for failing to handle a complaint filed by a woman whose two daughters were later murdered in the Bedouin village of al-Furah, near the southern city of Arad, the Israel Police rushed to announce that it had dismissed the local police commander. Yet Ynet has learned that the police failed to inform the press that the officer had sent a letter to his commanders after the murder, taking responsibility for the failure and asking to quit his post.
Chief Superintendent Yoni Zeitek headed the station where Abir Dandis filed a complaint against her ex-husband, saying she feared he might harm their two daughters. The police failed to handle the report according to procedures.
When the tragic results of the incident were revealed, Zeitek decided not to wait for the findings of a committee of inquiry appointed by Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino.
In a letter sent Thursday morning to his commanders at the Negev and Southern District, a document which was also handed over to the police commissioner's office, Zeitek admitted that the station he headed had failed and that he should be the one to pay for the serious failure.
But a statement released by Danino's office in the late afternoon hours, in which he announced that the senior officer would be discharged due to ministerial responsibility, failed to mention the officer's willingness to take full responsibility for the failure.
Following an appeal by Ynet, sources in Danino's office claimed they had not seen such a letter. Police officials explained that in any event, the commissioner appointed a committee of inquiry which was unrelated to the steps the station commander asked to take.
Zeitek was discharged along with his deputy and the head of the station's investigation department. The police investigator who received the complaint and the station's investigation coordinator were reprimanded. The findings were handed over to the discipline department to look into further steps against those involved in the failure.
"The report's findings point to a serious failure in the conduct of the relevant officers at the Arad station in terms of the way they handled the mother's complaint, lacking in reporting, command and professionalism, a failure that goes across police ranks all the way up to the station commander," Commissioner Danino wrote in a statement to the press.
He stressed that the mishandling of the incident by the Arad station was "highly unusual, does not meet the high professional standards expected from the Israel Police's officers, especially in such a sensitive matter."
The police said in response Friday night that "the police commissioner adopted the report's recommendations, which were submitted before the station commander's appeal. It should be noted that the commissioner implied that he was planning to take these steps the night before, during a police ceremony, and was quoted by the media.
"It should also be noted that the station commander's request to step down contained facts contradicting the committee's findings, and is subject to the approval and decision of his commanders, and is therefore irrelevant."
Dismissal of officer whose station failed to prevent murder of two young girls presented by police as quick response to failure, but Ynet learns commander asked to step down immediately after incident. Police: Commissioner adopted committee's recommendations before officer's appeal
Dismissal or resignation? After being criticized for failing to handle a complaint filed by a woman whose two daughters were later murdered in the Bedouin village of al-Furah, near the southern city of Arad, the Israel Police rushed to announce that it had dismissed the local police commander. Yet Ynet has learned that the police failed to inform the press that the officer had sent a letter to his commanders after the murder, taking responsibility for the failure and asking to quit his post.
Chief Superintendent Yoni Zeitek headed the station where Abir Dandis filed a complaint against her ex-husband, saying she feared he might harm their two daughters. The police failed to handle the report according to procedures.
When the tragic results of the incident were revealed, Zeitek decided not to wait for the findings of a committee of inquiry appointed by Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino.
In a letter sent Thursday morning to his commanders at the Negev and Southern District, a document which was also handed over to the police commissioner's office, Zeitek admitted that the station he headed had failed and that he should be the one to pay for the serious failure.
But a statement released by Danino's office in the late afternoon hours, in which he announced that the senior officer would be discharged due to ministerial responsibility, failed to mention the officer's willingness to take full responsibility for the failure.
Following an appeal by Ynet, sources in Danino's office claimed they had not seen such a letter. Police officials explained that in any event, the commissioner appointed a committee of inquiry which was unrelated to the steps the station commander asked to take.
Zeitek was discharged along with his deputy and the head of the station's investigation department. The police investigator who received the complaint and the station's investigation coordinator were reprimanded. The findings were handed over to the discipline department to look into further steps against those involved in the failure.
"The report's findings point to a serious failure in the conduct of the relevant officers at the Arad station in terms of the way they handled the mother's complaint, lacking in reporting, command and professionalism, a failure that goes across police ranks all the way up to the station commander," Commissioner Danino wrote in a statement to the press.
He stressed that the mishandling of the incident by the Arad station was "highly unusual, does not meet the high professional standards expected from the Israel Police's officers, especially in such a sensitive matter."
The police said in response Friday night that "the police commissioner adopted the report's recommendations, which were submitted before the station commander's appeal. It should be noted that the commissioner implied that he was planning to take these steps the night before, during a police ceremony, and was quoted by the media.
"It should also be noted that the station commander's request to step down contained facts contradicting the committee's findings, and is subject to the approval and decision of his commanders, and is therefore irrelevant."
24 may 2013
Dandis at the Arad police station
Arad commander, two others, let go for conduct in time preceeding murders; search for the girls' father is ongoing
Two days after the murder of two young girls in a Bedouin community near Arad, the commander of the Arad police station and two other officials were dismissed from their posts following a severe oversight – a failure to respond to a complaint filed by the girls' mother against their father one day before the killing. The bodies of two girls, aged two and four, were found in a house in the Bedouin village of Al Furah near the southern city of Arad on Tuesday. The bodies of both girls bore signs of strangulation, apparently with the use of a cord. The girls were in the custody of their father, who lived in Al Furah with his second wife, while the girls' biological mother was living in East Jerusalem.
Police are searching for the father, who has been missing since the bodies were found. The girls' mother, Abir Dandis, said she received a phone call telling her that her elder daughter was killed by her father, who was enraged by his ex-wife's rendezvous with their daughters earlier in the week, apparently against his will. She turned to the Ma'ale Adumim police branch, where she said her desperate requests that they look into her daughters' safety were ignored by the officers, who told her they didn't deal with residents of the territories.
The officers directed her to the Arad police station, where she said the officers failed to take her seriously and her appeal was dismissed – again, because she was a resident of the Palestinian territories and a Bedouin. Dandis's lawyers said officers at the Arad station showed blatant contempt and told her to go home.
An internal probe found those who handled the complaint filed by the girls' mother to be lacking in reporting, command and professionalism – "a failure that goes across police ranks all the way up to the station commander," wrote Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino in a statement. Chief Superintendent Yoni Zeitek and two of his subordinates were discharged from their posts following the oversights.
"At least I did what I had to do," said the mother. "I was concerned for my daughters, and he took them from me. Now at least they will be buried close to me. He prevented me from seeing them. Now I can visit the grave, which is what comforts me."
Arad commander, two others, let go for conduct in time preceeding murders; search for the girls' father is ongoing
Two days after the murder of two young girls in a Bedouin community near Arad, the commander of the Arad police station and two other officials were dismissed from their posts following a severe oversight – a failure to respond to a complaint filed by the girls' mother against their father one day before the killing. The bodies of two girls, aged two and four, were found in a house in the Bedouin village of Al Furah near the southern city of Arad on Tuesday. The bodies of both girls bore signs of strangulation, apparently with the use of a cord. The girls were in the custody of their father, who lived in Al Furah with his second wife, while the girls' biological mother was living in East Jerusalem.
Police are searching for the father, who has been missing since the bodies were found. The girls' mother, Abir Dandis, said she received a phone call telling her that her elder daughter was killed by her father, who was enraged by his ex-wife's rendezvous with their daughters earlier in the week, apparently against his will. She turned to the Ma'ale Adumim police branch, where she said her desperate requests that they look into her daughters' safety were ignored by the officers, who told her they didn't deal with residents of the territories.
The officers directed her to the Arad police station, where she said the officers failed to take her seriously and her appeal was dismissed – again, because she was a resident of the Palestinian territories and a Bedouin. Dandis's lawyers said officers at the Arad station showed blatant contempt and told her to go home.
An internal probe found those who handled the complaint filed by the girls' mother to be lacking in reporting, command and professionalism – "a failure that goes across police ranks all the way up to the station commander," wrote Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino in a statement. Chief Superintendent Yoni Zeitek and two of his subordinates were discharged from their posts following the oversights.
"At least I did what I had to do," said the mother. "I was concerned for my daughters, and he took them from me. Now at least they will be buried close to me. He prevented me from seeing them. Now I can visit the grave, which is what comforts me."
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Dandis's late daughters, aged 2 and 4
Dandis decided to donate her daughters' organs. Her lawyer filed an application on her behalf to bury the girls in east Jerusalem, rather than in the Negev. Regarding the murder investigation, much still remains unclear. |
The girls' stepmother, suspected of obstruction of justice, to be brought for remand at the Beersheba Magistrate's Court. Police suspect she may have helped the father flee. Defense counsel, attorney Uri Fishermen, said "The case is shrouded in mystery." The stepmothers' two minor sons were detained as well. One of them has since been released and the other, 17, was remanded until Sunday. An MDA source commented on the kilings, "It was a horrifying sight, especially because the girls were so young. Just finding their bodies and declaring them dead was a traumatic experience for the entire MDA crew."
23 may 2013
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) refutes the findings of the recently-published report from the Israeli Government Review Committee, titled 'The France 2 Al-Durrah Report, its Consequences and Implications', released on 19 May 2013. The report examines the incident involving the killing of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, Mohammed al-Durrah, which occurred on 30 September 2000 at the Netzarim junction in the Gaza Strip.
PCHR said in a press statement that the Government Review Committee was set up in September 2012 upon the instruction of the Israeli prime minister, twelve years after the incident took place. The committee claims to have extensively reviewed material related to the incident. Its key findings were as follows: there is no evidence that Mohammed or his father, Jamal, were wounded in the incident; the two were not struck by bullets at all; and the Israeli forces bear no responsibility for the incident.
PCHR carried out an investigation of the incident after it occurred, the findings of which completely contradict the assertions in the Israeli report. As a part of its investigations, PCHR's lawyers collected affidavits from the following persons:
1- Mr. Talal Hassan Abu Rahma, a photographer for France 2 television who witnessed the incident;
2- Mr. Ma'ali Suleiman Hussain Selmi, head of the reception department at Shifa hospital in Gaza City; and
3- Mr. Fathi Ahmed Mas'oud al-Louh, an ambulance driver who was present at the Netzarim junction on the day of the incident and was seriously injured by Israeli gunfire.
Abu Rahma, who was present during the incident, stated that Israeli forces fired intensively and intermittently at Mohammed and Jamal. The victims were then evacuated to Shifa hospital by ambulance, where Mohammed was pronounced dead on arrival. Mas'oid al Louh, who was present at the Netzarim junction on the day when the incident took place, stated that he had witnessed Israeli forces firing live bullets that day. Al-Louh also stated that, while tending to a number of injured persons, he himself was injured by a rubber coated metal bullet in his right leg, and shortly after that he was injured when a live bullet grazed the top of his head.
Israel, as an occupying power, is obliged to ensure that its forces respect and protect the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. However, PCHR's investigation indicates that Israeli forces arbitrarily deprived Mohammed of his right to life, in violation of Article 6(1) of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Moreover, Israeli forces disregarded Articles 9 and 10 of the 1990 UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, according to which they should not have fired at Mohammed and Jamal, as they did not pose any imminent threat of death or serious injury to the soldiers or any other person.
In light of the above:
a) PCHR strongly disputes the Israeli committee's conclusions in the report;
b) PCHR strongly condemns Israel's 12-year delay in examining the incident. This report challenges the very authenticity of the report which first brought the incident to attention. Given the nature of the incident, and the potential human rights violations related to it, this delay, in itself, constitutes a violation of customary international law norms, which establish that unreasonably prolonged delays in the examination and investigation of human rights violations result in a situation of impunity. The report does not provide any justification for this delay;
c) PCHR believes that this examination, and previous investigations into the matter, conducted by the Israeli authorities failed to meet international standards of independence, impartiality, transparency, promptness, and effectiveness; and
d) PCHR calls for an independent international investigation of the incident.
PCHR said in a press statement that the Government Review Committee was set up in September 2012 upon the instruction of the Israeli prime minister, twelve years after the incident took place. The committee claims to have extensively reviewed material related to the incident. Its key findings were as follows: there is no evidence that Mohammed or his father, Jamal, were wounded in the incident; the two were not struck by bullets at all; and the Israeli forces bear no responsibility for the incident.
PCHR carried out an investigation of the incident after it occurred, the findings of which completely contradict the assertions in the Israeli report. As a part of its investigations, PCHR's lawyers collected affidavits from the following persons:
1- Mr. Talal Hassan Abu Rahma, a photographer for France 2 television who witnessed the incident;
2- Mr. Ma'ali Suleiman Hussain Selmi, head of the reception department at Shifa hospital in Gaza City; and
3- Mr. Fathi Ahmed Mas'oud al-Louh, an ambulance driver who was present at the Netzarim junction on the day of the incident and was seriously injured by Israeli gunfire.
Abu Rahma, who was present during the incident, stated that Israeli forces fired intensively and intermittently at Mohammed and Jamal. The victims were then evacuated to Shifa hospital by ambulance, where Mohammed was pronounced dead on arrival. Mas'oid al Louh, who was present at the Netzarim junction on the day when the incident took place, stated that he had witnessed Israeli forces firing live bullets that day. Al-Louh also stated that, while tending to a number of injured persons, he himself was injured by a rubber coated metal bullet in his right leg, and shortly after that he was injured when a live bullet grazed the top of his head.
Israel, as an occupying power, is obliged to ensure that its forces respect and protect the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. However, PCHR's investigation indicates that Israeli forces arbitrarily deprived Mohammed of his right to life, in violation of Article 6(1) of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Moreover, Israeli forces disregarded Articles 9 and 10 of the 1990 UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, according to which they should not have fired at Mohammed and Jamal, as they did not pose any imminent threat of death or serious injury to the soldiers or any other person.
In light of the above:
a) PCHR strongly disputes the Israeli committee's conclusions in the report;
b) PCHR strongly condemns Israel's 12-year delay in examining the incident. This report challenges the very authenticity of the report which first brought the incident to attention. Given the nature of the incident, and the potential human rights violations related to it, this delay, in itself, constitutes a violation of customary international law norms, which establish that unreasonably prolonged delays in the examination and investigation of human rights violations result in a situation of impunity. The report does not provide any justification for this delay;
c) PCHR believes that this examination, and previous investigations into the matter, conducted by the Israeli authorities failed to meet international standards of independence, impartiality, transparency, promptness, and effectiveness; and
d) PCHR calls for an independent international investigation of the incident.
20 may 2013
The father of Muhammad al-Dura, who was shot dead by Israeli forces in 2000, said Monday that he was not surprised by Israel's refusal to take responsibility for his son's death.
"Every year the Israelis come up with a new narrative," Jamal al-Dura told Ma'an. "Yes, Muhammad is still alive in our hearts and in the hearts of the Arab and Islamic nation as well as all the noble people who support the Palestinian cause."
France 2 reporter Charles Enderlin's reportage on the incident shows the death of 12-year-old Muhammad in the arms of his father in Sept. 30, 2000 after being caught in the crossfire between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants at the start of the second intifada.
An Israeli report by the ministry of international affairs and strategy said raw footage of the incident showed that Muhammad was seen alive in the video.
"Israel committed that crime in cold blood, and they know quite well that Muhammad and the Palestinian people are going after them," Jamal al-Durra told Ma'an.
"Who showered Muhammad and his father with bullets while they were unarmed?" he asked.
Muhammad was the eldest son in the al-Dura family. A year after his death, the family had another boy and named him after Muhammad. He is now 11 years old.
"I am proud that my father named me after my brother who died a martyr," he told Ma'an.
In response to an AFP query Enderlin, the Jerusalem correspondent for the television channel that broadcast the original news report, said: "We are ready for an independent public inquiry."
"We have always said, including to the supreme court, that we were ready for an independent public inquiry by international standards."
Philippe Karsenty, director of watchdog group Media Ratings, was convicted of defamation in 2006 for accusing France 2 of doctoring the images in the original report, but the ruling was overturned in 2008.
An appeals court in Paris will issue its final ruling on the affair on Wednesday.
"Every year the Israelis come up with a new narrative," Jamal al-Dura told Ma'an. "Yes, Muhammad is still alive in our hearts and in the hearts of the Arab and Islamic nation as well as all the noble people who support the Palestinian cause."
France 2 reporter Charles Enderlin's reportage on the incident shows the death of 12-year-old Muhammad in the arms of his father in Sept. 30, 2000 after being caught in the crossfire between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants at the start of the second intifada.
An Israeli report by the ministry of international affairs and strategy said raw footage of the incident showed that Muhammad was seen alive in the video.
"Israel committed that crime in cold blood, and they know quite well that Muhammad and the Palestinian people are going after them," Jamal al-Durra told Ma'an.
"Who showered Muhammad and his father with bullets while they were unarmed?" he asked.
Muhammad was the eldest son in the al-Dura family. A year after his death, the family had another boy and named him after Muhammad. He is now 11 years old.
"I am proud that my father named me after my brother who died a martyr," he told Ma'an.
In response to an AFP query Enderlin, the Jerusalem correspondent for the television channel that broadcast the original news report, said: "We are ready for an independent public inquiry."
"We have always said, including to the supreme court, that we were ready for an independent public inquiry by international standards."
Philippe Karsenty, director of watchdog group Media Ratings, was convicted of defamation in 2006 for accusing France 2 of doctoring the images in the original report, but the ruling was overturned in 2008.
An appeals court in Paris will issue its final ruling on the affair on Wednesday.
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The brother of Muhammad al-Dura holding a photo of his namesake.
Israeli forces have killed 1,397 Palestinian children in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2000, the year of Muhammad al-Dura's disputed death, according to Defense for Children International Palestine. |
1 may 2013
Harassment claims: Fellow journalist testifies against Emanuel Rosen
Emanuel Rosen
Gadi Sukenik says allegations represent 'facts,' and media star's harassment of coworkers has been going on for years
A fellow journalist gave testimony with the police against Emanuel Rosen, an Israeli media colossus suspected of sexually harassing female coworkers. On Wednesday Gadi Sukenik reportedly relayed to the police instances of harassment that were brought to his attention over the years.
Rosen, who will not be questioned unless suspicions are verified, suspended himself from his position as Channel 10's political commentator after the complaints became public Friday.
Police Chief Yohanan Danino on Monday ordered investigators to look into claims against Rosen. The results of the probe will determine whether an official investigation will be launched. Sukenik, himself a senior journalist and former news anchor, told Army Radio on Tuesday that "Industry rumors and these acts, and I emphasize the word acts, took place over years. I confirm what all these journalists claim. I swear it's just the tip of the iceberg, and the least grave offenses, there are far more serious cases."
He said going public with the claims must have been a daunting prospect for the victims, as claims regarding harassment made behind closed doors are inherently difficult to prove.
"Trust me that I would not have gone on air had I not known these things for a fact. Many managers worked in the media who knew everything. Over the years the picture only became clearer, but companies still continued to employ him. I complained, I asked why, but no one appointed me the juror," Sukenik said.
"Where I came into contact with those things, I interfered immediately; I've never ignored a complaint." Police said some of the evidence falls under the statute of limitations, yet they find the more recent claims "very interesting." Police have already made contact with some of the women who came forth with the claims, brought to public attention by Haaretz on Friday, and collected statements from them.
Gadi Sukenik says allegations represent 'facts,' and media star's harassment of coworkers has been going on for years
A fellow journalist gave testimony with the police against Emanuel Rosen, an Israeli media colossus suspected of sexually harassing female coworkers. On Wednesday Gadi Sukenik reportedly relayed to the police instances of harassment that were brought to his attention over the years.
Rosen, who will not be questioned unless suspicions are verified, suspended himself from his position as Channel 10's political commentator after the complaints became public Friday.
Police Chief Yohanan Danino on Monday ordered investigators to look into claims against Rosen. The results of the probe will determine whether an official investigation will be launched. Sukenik, himself a senior journalist and former news anchor, told Army Radio on Tuesday that "Industry rumors and these acts, and I emphasize the word acts, took place over years. I confirm what all these journalists claim. I swear it's just the tip of the iceberg, and the least grave offenses, there are far more serious cases."
He said going public with the claims must have been a daunting prospect for the victims, as claims regarding harassment made behind closed doors are inherently difficult to prove.
"Trust me that I would not have gone on air had I not known these things for a fact. Many managers worked in the media who knew everything. Over the years the picture only became clearer, but companies still continued to employ him. I complained, I asked why, but no one appointed me the juror," Sukenik said.
"Where I came into contact with those things, I interfered immediately; I've never ignored a complaint." Police said some of the evidence falls under the statute of limitations, yet they find the more recent claims "very interesting." Police have already made contact with some of the women who came forth with the claims, brought to public attention by Haaretz on Friday, and collected statements from them.
30 apr 2013
Witness in Lieberman trial: I had no info on Ben Aryeh appointment
Ex-Foreign Ministry Director-General Gal says his former boss never pushed envoy to Latvia, or anyone else into appointment; testimony clashes with Danny Ayalon's account of events
A key witness in Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman's trial denied he received any tips from the former foreign minister on the appointment of Ze'ev Ben Aryeh as Israeli ambassador to Latvia.
Former Foreign Ministry Director-General Yossi Gal, who was Lieberman's subordinate at the time of Ben Aryeh's appointment, said Lieberman had never apprised him of his preference regarding candidates for ambassadorial posts.
Lieberman is being accused of pushing Ben Aryeh's appointment to the post of ambassador in Latvia in 2004 without reporting the information he received from him during the nomination process. Ben Aryeh was convicted of unauthorized disclosure of information and obstruction of justice as part of a plea bargain for tipping off Lieberman about details pertaining to an investigation into his financial dealings.
Lieberman, who entered a plea of "Not guilty on all counts," has consistently denied he discussed the issue with Ben Aryeh.
Testifying on Tuesday are former appointments committee members who, together with Gal, appointed Ben Aryeh as ambassador – Yossi Gal, Israeli ambassador to France and Shimon Roded, ambassador to Thailand. Gal, who was responsible for all ministry appointments in his role as the minister's director-general, said he was handling hundreds of appointments per year.
He said that he does not recall talks regarding Ben Aryeh prior to the appointment, saying his acquaintance with him, and knowledge of his work and abilities were very limited when he began studying his file prior to the session of the committee where the appointment was decided upon.
It was put to Gal in the cross examination that his testimony clashes with the account of the facts given by former Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, the main witness for the prosecution, who said Lieberman pushed Ben Aryeh to the ambassadorial job claiming he was the most qualified for it. Gal said he holds by his testimony.
The official added that it was Lieberman who had appointed him to his former post. He further added the two shared a productive professional relationship that has never gone beyond that. He conceded the former FM had, at times, voiced his opinion on individuals in the ministry, but it never represented any kind of recommendation toward any decision.
Investigations into Lieberman, 54, were first opened in 2001 and spanned nine countries. The more serious allegations included money-laundering and bribery, but the attorney general said there was no chance of a conviction on those.
A key witness in Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman's trial denied he received any tips from the former foreign minister on the appointment of Ze'ev Ben Aryeh as Israeli ambassador to Latvia.
Former Foreign Ministry Director-General Yossi Gal, who was Lieberman's subordinate at the time of Ben Aryeh's appointment, said Lieberman had never apprised him of his preference regarding candidates for ambassadorial posts.
Lieberman is being accused of pushing Ben Aryeh's appointment to the post of ambassador in Latvia in 2004 without reporting the information he received from him during the nomination process. Ben Aryeh was convicted of unauthorized disclosure of information and obstruction of justice as part of a plea bargain for tipping off Lieberman about details pertaining to an investigation into his financial dealings.
Lieberman, who entered a plea of "Not guilty on all counts," has consistently denied he discussed the issue with Ben Aryeh.
Testifying on Tuesday are former appointments committee members who, together with Gal, appointed Ben Aryeh as ambassador – Yossi Gal, Israeli ambassador to France and Shimon Roded, ambassador to Thailand. Gal, who was responsible for all ministry appointments in his role as the minister's director-general, said he was handling hundreds of appointments per year.
He said that he does not recall talks regarding Ben Aryeh prior to the appointment, saying his acquaintance with him, and knowledge of his work and abilities were very limited when he began studying his file prior to the session of the committee where the appointment was decided upon.
It was put to Gal in the cross examination that his testimony clashes with the account of the facts given by former Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, the main witness for the prosecution, who said Lieberman pushed Ben Aryeh to the ambassadorial job claiming he was the most qualified for it. Gal said he holds by his testimony.
The official added that it was Lieberman who had appointed him to his former post. He further added the two shared a productive professional relationship that has never gone beyond that. He conceded the former FM had, at times, voiced his opinion on individuals in the ministry, but it never represented any kind of recommendation toward any decision.
Investigations into Lieberman, 54, were first opened in 2001 and spanned nine countries. The more serious allegations included money-laundering and bribery, but the attorney general said there was no chance of a conviction on those.
27 apr 2013
Watch: IDF soldier lashes out at activists
Reserve soldier in the video
Activists film reserve soldier on south Mount Hebron as he curses, threatens them; 'incident does not reflect behavior expected of security forces, proper measures will be taken'
A video released Saturday features a soldier lashing out at activists at south Mount Hebron, calling them "enemies of Israel" and threatening them.
In the video, the soldier is seen approaching a group of Palestinian shepherds near the settlement of Otniel, and yelling at one of them in Arabic to watch himself. He later asked for the shepherd's name, at which point the person behind the camera, an activist with the Ta'ayush organization, asked the soldiers to stop yelling.
"You, shut up," the soldier replied, adding "enemies of Israel; get out of here. I will punch you in the head."
Another soldier tried to block the camera's lens, while the slurs in the background continued: "You're worse than the Arabs… get out of here."
Before his friends managed to pull him away from the scene, the soldier told a woman with the activist group "You shut up, enemy of Israel, Arab lover."
Guy, a Ta'ayush activist, told Ynet that "the soldier arrived and tried to chase the shepherds away. I told him to stop yelling and he lashed out at me."
According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, "Leftwing activists gathered near Otniel. While security forces were trying to disperse them, a reserve unit and an activist confronted each other.
Following the release of the video, the IDF will question the reservist about the incident and the proper measures will be taken. In general, this incident does not reflect the behavior expected of security forces and the issue will be clarified."
Activists film reserve soldier on south Mount Hebron as he curses, threatens them; 'incident does not reflect behavior expected of security forces, proper measures will be taken'
A video released Saturday features a soldier lashing out at activists at south Mount Hebron, calling them "enemies of Israel" and threatening them.
In the video, the soldier is seen approaching a group of Palestinian shepherds near the settlement of Otniel, and yelling at one of them in Arabic to watch himself. He later asked for the shepherd's name, at which point the person behind the camera, an activist with the Ta'ayush organization, asked the soldiers to stop yelling.
"You, shut up," the soldier replied, adding "enemies of Israel; get out of here. I will punch you in the head."
Another soldier tried to block the camera's lens, while the slurs in the background continued: "You're worse than the Arabs… get out of here."
Before his friends managed to pull him away from the scene, the soldier told a woman with the activist group "You shut up, enemy of Israel, Arab lover."
Guy, a Ta'ayush activist, told Ynet that "the soldier arrived and tried to chase the shepherds away. I told him to stop yelling and he lashed out at me."
According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, "Leftwing activists gathered near Otniel. While security forces were trying to disperse them, a reserve unit and an activist confronted each other.
Following the release of the video, the IDF will question the reservist about the incident and the proper measures will be taken. In general, this incident does not reflect the behavior expected of security forces and the issue will be clarified."
Boy confesses parents abuse him via Facebook
Police arrest parents of 14-year-old who wrote on Police Facebook page that his parents abuse him; parents say they beat son 'in order to educate him'
"Hi, my name is S. and I am 14. Since I was 8, my parents beat me regularly. Whenever there was a family argument that I was not connected to and I made eye-contact with my father, he would get angry and punch me hard, sometimes with a belt.”
This post, published Friday night by a 14-year-old-boy from Haifa on the police's Facebook page, raised suspicions of harsh abuse and led to a police investigation and the subsequent arrest of the child's parents.
In the post, and in later questioning, the boy said that his parents had been abusing him because he was "short and fat." He told investigators that he had tried to commit suicide two years ago, in the wake of the violence.
The boy added in the Facebook post that he was afraid to contact the school counselor or the police, "because they think I am a shame to my family. My parents always think that I'm not a good enough child for them. I am short and fat, and whenever I forget these things, they make sure to remind me how much I am like that."
Following the post, the head of the police media department, Superintendent Sharon Yamineh, contacted the boy, spoke to him on the web and managed to get additional details.
Haifa Police Chief Commander Avi Edri said a patrol officer was sent to the house and after speaking with the boy, both of his parents were arrested.
They were questioned separately, so that they could not coordinate testimonies.
In questioning, the parents admitted that they beat their son "in order to educate him," but nonetheless denied that they had abused him excessively.
"The father explicitly stated that he hit the boy to prevent him from deteriorating into the criminal world," said Haifa Police Commander Avi Edri, "and the mother backed him up."
The investigating officer at the station, Superintendent Rami Khouri, said however that though they confirmed that they beat their son, the parents denied the extreme violence, including beatings with a belt and a stick.
The boy was also questioned at the Haifa police station, and described prolonged abuse which according to him, included beatings with a belt and a broom handle, and verbal abuse, along with the physical violence. Police said the boy feared the investigation because he did not want to cause harm to his parents.
"Hi, my name is S. and I am 14. Since I was 8, my parents beat me regularly. Whenever there was a family argument that I was not connected to and I made eye-contact with my father, he would get angry and punch me hard, sometimes with a belt.”
This post, published Friday night by a 14-year-old-boy from Haifa on the police's Facebook page, raised suspicions of harsh abuse and led to a police investigation and the subsequent arrest of the child's parents.
In the post, and in later questioning, the boy said that his parents had been abusing him because he was "short and fat." He told investigators that he had tried to commit suicide two years ago, in the wake of the violence.
The boy added in the Facebook post that he was afraid to contact the school counselor or the police, "because they think I am a shame to my family. My parents always think that I'm not a good enough child for them. I am short and fat, and whenever I forget these things, they make sure to remind me how much I am like that."
Following the post, the head of the police media department, Superintendent Sharon Yamineh, contacted the boy, spoke to him on the web and managed to get additional details.
Haifa Police Chief Commander Avi Edri said a patrol officer was sent to the house and after speaking with the boy, both of his parents were arrested.
They were questioned separately, so that they could not coordinate testimonies.
In questioning, the parents admitted that they beat their son "in order to educate him," but nonetheless denied that they had abused him excessively.
"The father explicitly stated that he hit the boy to prevent him from deteriorating into the criminal world," said Haifa Police Commander Avi Edri, "and the mother backed him up."
The investigating officer at the station, Superintendent Rami Khouri, said however that though they confirmed that they beat their son, the parents denied the extreme violence, including beatings with a belt and a stick.
The boy was also questioned at the Haifa police station, and described prolonged abuse which according to him, included beatings with a belt and a broom handle, and verbal abuse, along with the physical violence. Police said the boy feared the investigation because he did not want to cause harm to his parents.
26 apr 2013
Israel jails 'failed to prevent' Prisoner X suicide
By Jonah Mandel
Israel's prison service caused the death of an Australian-Israeli known as "Prisoner X" by failing to prevent him from committing suicide in jail, a court document released on Thursday said.
Prisoner X, who was identified by Australian media as Mossad agent Ben Zygier, was found hanged in his isolation cell in Ayalon prison near Tel Aviv in December 2010 -- in a case which Israel went to extreme lengths to cover up.
Israel initially imposed a total media blackout on the case, but was later forced to ease the restrictions after the case made international headlines, later implicitly confirming the case was related to intelligence matters.
The document revealed details on his background and imprisonment, indicating he was suicidal, had had an emotionally-charged exchange with his wife the day he was found hanged, and that his cell was not properly watched by prison guards.
Written at the end of 2010 by Justice Daphna Blatman Kedrai of Rishon LeTzion magistrate's court, the document was released on Thursday following a petition by the Israeli media.
Australia has long pushed for more details on Zygier's arrest, detention and suicide.
But it sheds no light on his arrest, his alleged crime or his trial, details of which "remain under gag orders," wrote Blatman Kedrai.
What it does provide is details on Zygier's fragile psychological condition, the tearful meeting with his wife on the day of his death and a review of the monitoring practices of the prisoner by the Israel Prison Service.
"The investigation of the sad death of the deceased reveals alleged evidence that negligence by various functionaries in the IPS caused his death," wrote Blatman Kedrai.
"I have found alleged evidence of the guilt of functionaries in the IPS in causing the deceased's death," she said.
After ruling out the direct involvement of anyone else in Zygier's death, the report notes that when he arrived at Ayalon prison on March 3, 2010, he was suffering from emotional distress.
During his time in Ayalon prison, Zygier was seen 57 times by social workers who found him to be suffering from anxiety and suicidal tendencies.
On the morning of his death, Zygier was visited by his wife and baby daughter but when they left he was extremely distraught.
His wife later returned for several minutes, then left again, also in tears, it said.
Although Zygier's cell was supposed to be under constant surveillance, including the bathroom area where he eventually hanged himself, a faulty infrared bulb in the shower meant the area was in near total darkness when he took his own life.
Blatman Kedrai also found that the guardroom was not manned at the time of his death, with no-one watching the surveillance cameras, some of which did not work properly.
"The duty of care to him was violated," she wrote.
Despite the findings, the state attorney's office said it would not be pressing charges against prison staff.
"It would not be possible to determine with the level of certainty required for criminal proceedings that IPS officials and others involved in the supervision of the deceased should have foreseen his suicide," a statement said.
"The responsibility for the well-being of a person in IPS custody does not, in and of itself, impose criminal responsibility on any IPS official, where an inmate succeeds in committing suicide," it concluded.
Israel's prison service caused the death of an Australian-Israeli known as "Prisoner X" by failing to prevent him from committing suicide in jail, a court document released on Thursday said.
Prisoner X, who was identified by Australian media as Mossad agent Ben Zygier, was found hanged in his isolation cell in Ayalon prison near Tel Aviv in December 2010 -- in a case which Israel went to extreme lengths to cover up.
Israel initially imposed a total media blackout on the case, but was later forced to ease the restrictions after the case made international headlines, later implicitly confirming the case was related to intelligence matters.
The document revealed details on his background and imprisonment, indicating he was suicidal, had had an emotionally-charged exchange with his wife the day he was found hanged, and that his cell was not properly watched by prison guards.
Written at the end of 2010 by Justice Daphna Blatman Kedrai of Rishon LeTzion magistrate's court, the document was released on Thursday following a petition by the Israeli media.
Australia has long pushed for more details on Zygier's arrest, detention and suicide.
But it sheds no light on his arrest, his alleged crime or his trial, details of which "remain under gag orders," wrote Blatman Kedrai.
What it does provide is details on Zygier's fragile psychological condition, the tearful meeting with his wife on the day of his death and a review of the monitoring practices of the prisoner by the Israel Prison Service.
"The investigation of the sad death of the deceased reveals alleged evidence that negligence by various functionaries in the IPS caused his death," wrote Blatman Kedrai.
"I have found alleged evidence of the guilt of functionaries in the IPS in causing the deceased's death," she said.
After ruling out the direct involvement of anyone else in Zygier's death, the report notes that when he arrived at Ayalon prison on March 3, 2010, he was suffering from emotional distress.
During his time in Ayalon prison, Zygier was seen 57 times by social workers who found him to be suffering from anxiety and suicidal tendencies.
On the morning of his death, Zygier was visited by his wife and baby daughter but when they left he was extremely distraught.
His wife later returned for several minutes, then left again, also in tears, it said.
Although Zygier's cell was supposed to be under constant surveillance, including the bathroom area where he eventually hanged himself, a faulty infrared bulb in the shower meant the area was in near total darkness when he took his own life.
Blatman Kedrai also found that the guardroom was not manned at the time of his death, with no-one watching the surveillance cameras, some of which did not work properly.
"The duty of care to him was violated," she wrote.
Despite the findings, the state attorney's office said it would not be pressing charges against prison staff.
"It would not be possible to determine with the level of certainty required for criminal proceedings that IPS officials and others involved in the supervision of the deceased should have foreseen his suicide," a statement said.
"The responsibility for the well-being of a person in IPS custody does not, in and of itself, impose criminal responsibility on any IPS official, where an inmate succeeds in committing suicide," it concluded.
25 apr 2013
Witnesses take the stand in Lieberman trial
First witness to testify in fraud trial is Ze'ev Ben Aryeh, whose appointment as ambassador stands at heart of case against former foreign minister. Daniel Ayalon to take the stand next
The testimony and evidence stage of the trial that will determine the political fate of former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is underway. Former Ambassador to Belarus Ze'ev Ben Aryeh was the first witness to testify in the fraud and breach of trust trial.
Ben Aryeh was convicted of unauthorized disclosure of information and obstruction of justice as part of a plea bargain for tipping off Lieberman about details pertaining to an investigation into his financial dealings while he served as a Knesset member.
Ben Aryeh was sentenced to four months of community service.
The former foreign minister is being accused of pushing Ben Aryeh's appointment to the post of ambassador in Latvia without reporting the information he received from him during the nomination process.
The State alleges that Lieberman's interference in the appointment constituted abuse of authority.
Lieberman entered a plea of "Not guilty on all counts."
Last December, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein amended the indictment following new testimonies in the case.
While the charges of fraud and breach of trust remained unchanged, the revised indictment added details on Lieberman's involvement in Ben Aryeh's appointment.
It was noted that the resigning foreign minister had instructed his deputy, Daniel Ayalon, to appoint Ben Aryeh as the ambassador to Latvia claiming he was the most qualified for the job. Ayalon will be testifying for the prosecution and will be its main witness.
When Ben Aryeh was asked what he did to be appointed for the position, he replied: "Sadly or not, I received no preferred treatment."
Lieberman and Ben Aryeh's testimonies contradicted: Ben Aryeh testified that beyond giving Lieberman information in an envelope, he also briefed him on the investigation against him.
But Lieberman claimed the two never discussed the issue.
Attorney Eran Zeller from the State Prosecutor's Office questioned Ben Aryeh in court and asked him whether Lieberman pushed his first ambassadorial position forward (this refers to Ben Aryeh's first appointment, not the one the indictment refers to.)
In his 2010 police interrogation Ben Aryeh said he discussed the issue with Lieberman at the time and asked for his assistance in the appointment. But in court, Ben Aryeh claimed he cannot recall the incident, and the prosecution motioned to declare him a hostile witness.
On Tuesday, police released the transcripts of Lieberman's interrogations.
The released materials represent a single investigation session that took place in March 2010.
According to the transcripts, the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman accused his investigators as kowtowing to the press and frequently resorted to derogatory terms.
Lieberman dismissed the credibility of Ben-Aryeh as a witness, branding him as "weak of character," repeatedly dubbing him an "idiot," and saying "had I investigated him for 10 hours, I'd made him confess he crucified Jesus Christ."
The testimony and evidence stage of the trial that will determine the political fate of former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is underway. Former Ambassador to Belarus Ze'ev Ben Aryeh was the first witness to testify in the fraud and breach of trust trial.
Ben Aryeh was convicted of unauthorized disclosure of information and obstruction of justice as part of a plea bargain for tipping off Lieberman about details pertaining to an investigation into his financial dealings while he served as a Knesset member.
Ben Aryeh was sentenced to four months of community service.
The former foreign minister is being accused of pushing Ben Aryeh's appointment to the post of ambassador in Latvia without reporting the information he received from him during the nomination process.
The State alleges that Lieberman's interference in the appointment constituted abuse of authority.
Lieberman entered a plea of "Not guilty on all counts."
Last December, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein amended the indictment following new testimonies in the case.
While the charges of fraud and breach of trust remained unchanged, the revised indictment added details on Lieberman's involvement in Ben Aryeh's appointment.
It was noted that the resigning foreign minister had instructed his deputy, Daniel Ayalon, to appoint Ben Aryeh as the ambassador to Latvia claiming he was the most qualified for the job. Ayalon will be testifying for the prosecution and will be its main witness.
When Ben Aryeh was asked what he did to be appointed for the position, he replied: "Sadly or not, I received no preferred treatment."
Lieberman and Ben Aryeh's testimonies contradicted: Ben Aryeh testified that beyond giving Lieberman information in an envelope, he also briefed him on the investigation against him.
But Lieberman claimed the two never discussed the issue.
Attorney Eran Zeller from the State Prosecutor's Office questioned Ben Aryeh in court and asked him whether Lieberman pushed his first ambassadorial position forward (this refers to Ben Aryeh's first appointment, not the one the indictment refers to.)
In his 2010 police interrogation Ben Aryeh said he discussed the issue with Lieberman at the time and asked for his assistance in the appointment. But in court, Ben Aryeh claimed he cannot recall the incident, and the prosecution motioned to declare him a hostile witness.
On Tuesday, police released the transcripts of Lieberman's interrogations.
The released materials represent a single investigation session that took place in March 2010.
According to the transcripts, the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman accused his investigators as kowtowing to the press and frequently resorted to derogatory terms.
Lieberman dismissed the credibility of Ben-Aryeh as a witness, branding him as "weak of character," repeatedly dubbing him an "idiot," and saying "had I investigated him for 10 hours, I'd made him confess he crucified Jesus Christ."
24 apr 2013
Police Arrests Two Israeli Teenage Settlers For Torching Palestinian Cars
The Israeli Police announced on Tuesday evening that it apprehended two Israeli teenage setters living in an illegal settlement outpost near Dir Jareer village, north east of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, as they are believed to be involved in torching 10 Palestinian vehicles earlier on Tuesday.
The Police said that members of the Central Investigation Committee apprehended the settlers from what is referred to as Hill 904 - Givat 904 illegal outpost, as part of the investigation into the torching of the Palestinian vehicles in the nearby village.
Luba Samri, Israeli Police spokesperson for Arab media, reported that the two Israeli teenagers are still under interrogation.
Local sources in Dir Jareer village stated that the settlers conducted their assault during early dawn hours, burnt the cars and attacked property before leaving the village.
The Police said that members of the Central Investigation Committee apprehended the settlers from what is referred to as Hill 904 - Givat 904 illegal outpost, as part of the investigation into the torching of the Palestinian vehicles in the nearby village.
Luba Samri, Israeli Police spokesperson for Arab media, reported that the two Israeli teenagers are still under interrogation.
Local sources in Dir Jareer village stated that the settlers conducted their assault during early dawn hours, burnt the cars and attacked property before leaving the village.
