After more than six months in which the Defense Ministry prevented MK Ofer Kasif and MK Aida Touma-Suleiman (Hadash-Ta'al) from visiting conscientious objectors in Prison 10, the two are considering appealing to the High Court of Justice on the matter.
In a letter from Knesset members to Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, attorney Michael Sfard clarified that the violation of the MKs' right was done "contrary to the position of the Knesset Attorney General and the Defense Ministry Attorney General himself, and without even bothering to announce a change in policy on the matter, ostensibly, but through infuriating disregard: this is unacceptable and illegal conduct."
Touma-Sliman (archive), photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Attorney Sfard asked in the letter to contact the Knesset members and coordinate a visit to the detention facility as soon as possible; Thus, if no response is received within a week, the MKs will consider a legal appeal to the appropriate courts.
Knesset riot: MK Ofer Kasif calls for civil disobedience // Credit: Knesset Spokesperson's Office
MKs Kasif and Touma-Suleiman said: "This is inappropriate and even degrading conduct for MKs and contrary to the law both during the period of former Minister Gantz and during the current period of Minister Galant. To receive an answer "the request is not approved" casts doubt on the work of the government and our right to supervise it, and raises questions about what was actually done against the refuseniks in prison that caused them to prevent us from being there. This is an opportunity to strengthen the rejectionists who prove that nonviolent civil struggle is stronger than any weapon, and we promise to continue the struggle together with them."
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