The Israeli police internal investigations unit (Mahash) has summoned four Beersheba officers for a hearing before possible indictment, over the alleged assault on attorney Saleh Naama on May 2. According to the report, the officers broke into Naama's home and violently beat him; police initially arrested Naama and two relatives, claiming they had attacked the officers. Mahash is considering charges of assault, aggravated battery, and obstruction of investigation for three of the officers.
Tonight, The Zioneer has learned that the four Beersheba police officers summoned by Mahash for a hearing are suspected of assaulting attorney Saleh Naama in his home on May 2. According to the latest report, from i24NEWS, Mahash is considering indicting two of the officers for assault and aggravated battery, and three for obstruction of investigation. This development identifies the victim by name and specifies the potential charges, a significant step in the investigation.
The story first emerged at 18:11 Jerusalem, when ynet reported that four officers had been summoned. Minutes later, N12 reported that Mahash was considering criminal prosecution for two of the officers. That evening, senior attorney Khalil Naama, the victim's father, told N12 that he had evidence that more than four officers were involved, and accused them of illegal entry, assault, fabricating evidence, and a cover-up. By 18:11 Jerusalem, multiple outlets were reporting on the summons, with the father's account adding a layer of accusation.
The Zioneer has reported on other cases of alleged police violence, including a Beersheba officer indicted for choking a colleague and a complaint against detectives in Kiryat Haim for drawing a weapon and assaulting detainees. The Naama case is the latest in a series of incidents raising questions about police conduct.
The identities of the summoned officers have not been released, and it is not known how they will respond to the allegations. The father's claim that more than four officers took part has not been corroborated by the investigation. The hearing process will determine whether formal charges are filed.
5 developments
Source and signal
- Internal intake