Justice Ministry Director-General Itamar Donenfeld has begun setting up the new, independent Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) days after the Knesset approved the separation law last week. Per the legislation, Donenfeld has initiated the process of forming the selection committee that will appoint Mahash's new director.
Days after the Knesset approved the separation of the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash) from the State Attorney's Office, Justice Ministry Director-General Itamar Donenfeld has begun the practical steps to establish the new, independent unit, according to the Justice Ministry.
The new Mahash will be subordinate to the Justice Ministry rather than the State Attorney's Office and the Attorney General — a structural change aimed at enhancing the department's independence in investigating police misconduct. Per the law passed last week, Donenfeld initiated the formation of the selection committee that will appoint Mahash's new director.
As The Zioneer reported on June 11, the Knesset approved the Mahash separation bill in second and third readings with 43 in favor and 39 opposed. MK Moshe Saada (Likud), who advanced the legislation, said the move would restore public trust in the justice system. State Attorney Amit Aisman subsequently sent a letter to Mahash staff stressing the importance of professionalism and independence.
The selection committee timeline and the identity of the candidate for the director role remain unannounced.
2 developments
- DevelopingJournalist Tuchfeld says Mahash separation bill is the most critical of the judicial reforms
- DevelopingMK Saada vows 'all criminals from the prosecution' will face new Mahash
- StrongState Attorney Aisman sends letter to Police Internal Investigations amid law controversy
- StrongGovernment's Mahash reform bill advances to final Knesset votes
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