Shin Bet Unlawfully Interrogated IDF Soldier On Yom Tov, Denied Right To Counsel

Four individuals, including an enlisted soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), were apprehended approximately three weeks ago under suspicion of involvement in a violent altercation with Arabs in the city of Chadera. In an unusual move, Arutz Sheva reports, the suspects were subjected to interrogation by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and were denied access to legal representation for a period of 72 hours. The Honenu advocacy organization, which is representing the suspects, has revealed that they were unlawfully questioned during Shavuos and were deprived of their right to legal counsel.

Earlier this week, the Chadera Magistrate’s Court ruled for the release of the suspects to house arrest, rejecting the request from both the Shin Bet and the police to extend their detention.

Expressing discontent with the conduct of the authorities, Attorney Keidar addressed a letter to the police and the Shin Bet, protesting their treatment of the suspects. Keidar raised concerns about the involvement of the Shin Bet in a case unrelated to their jurisdiction, criticizing the agency for prioritizing Jewish investigations over those involving Arabs. Furthermore, he highlighted the violation of the suspects’ rights by conducting interrogations during the Shavuot holiday without providing them with legal representation.

Keidar questioned whether the Shin Bet considered itself above the law and urged authorities not to give credence to interrogations carried out during religious holidays. He emphasized that the suspects were not informed of their right to legal counsel and were denied access to representation. Keidar condemned the utilization of the Shin Bet’s involvement as a means to apply pressure, leading to coerced confessions.

Concluding his statement, Keidar called for immediate intervention from higher authorities, asserting that the Shin Bet’s actions were unjustifiable in this case and demanded an end to the denial of the suspects’ right to legal representation.

{Matzav.com Israel}