The Association for Civil Rights filed a petition with the High Court of Justice on Wednesday evening, joining the Movement for Quality Government's earlier challenge to the law that prevents the Attorney General from arguing against the government in court. The group said the law "endangers human rights, weakens the rule of law, and dismantles the first line of defense against illegal use of governmental power."
The Association for Civil Rights filed a petition with the High Court of Justice on Wednesday evening, joining the Movement for Quality Government's earlier challenge to the law that prevents the Attorney General from arguing against the government in court. The Association said the law "endangers human rights, weakens the rule of law, and dismantles the first line of defense against illegal use of governmental power." The Movement for Quality Government had already petitioned moments after the Knesset approved the bill, calling it "a last-minute backroom deal from a coalition without legitimacy."
The Knesset passed the bill 65-51 earlier Wednesday evening, with MK Simcha Rothman, who promoted the legislation, describing it as "a historic change" in the Attorney General's role. The Zioneer reported the Movement for Quality Government's petition at 20:50 Jerusalem, citing N12. Initial reports by Ynet had indicated that multiple petitions were filed. The Association for Civil Rights submitted its petition later in the evening, adding a second civil rights group to the legal challenge.
The Movement for Quality Government has a history of petitioning the High Court against coalition legislation, including the recent Torah Study Basic Law, as The Zioneer reported. The Association for Civil Rights has frequently challenged laws affecting civil liberties. The bill at the center of the current petitions limits the Attorney General's authority to represent the government in court against the government's position, a change critics say undermines the rule of law.
No hearing has been scheduled by the High Court. The petitions are pending, and the law remains in effect until the court rules on its validity.
3 developments
- StrongACRI petitions High Court against Attorney General Bill, warns it 'endangers human rights, weakens rule of law'
- StrongMovement for Unity of Government petitions High Court against Attorney General split law
- DevelopingCoalition Rebels Vote in Favor, Restricting Attorney General's High Court Standing
- StrongKnesset committee approves law to weaken attorney general's role, sends to final votes
Source and signal
- Internal intake