Election committee chairman dismissed Telegrass founder's nomination: "Stick to him with disgrace"

Judge Neil Handel dismissed Silver's petition, seeking to determine that his actions were not infamous, stating he could not run in the upcoming election. The judge explained that "this is not a one-off case but five different drug trafficking incidents." It is now unclear whether his party, "liberal economic power," will continue to run

Election committee chairman dismissed Telegrass founder's nomination: "Stick to him with disgrace"

Central Election Commission Chairman Justice Neil Handel rejected Tuesday's nomination of Telegrass founder Amos Dov Silver in the upcoming election. Silver was convicted in two cases of trafficking in cannabis in 2012-2015, as well as in the tumor. In disgrace, however, Judge Handel rejected the request, stating that he would not be able to run for election.

Silver argued in the petition that there was no infamy in his actions, explaining that "in examining the circumstances, the offenses he committed must be consistent with his worldview, as to the benefits inherent in cannabis consumption and the consequences arising from the legal prohibition of such consumption."

The judge did not accept his argument, stating that "the test of infamy requires, in any case, to examine the nature of the offense and its circumstances. In our case, the applicant was convicted of a number of drug offenses, including three offenses in the top line of the drug offenses field: manufacturing, preparing and producing a drug, possession of a drug for non-use. Self as well as drug trafficking - offenses which, along with a sentence of 20 years' imprisonment. " He stated that "in terms of the nature of the offense and legal policy considerations, it is not easy to take offense with anyone who commits drug offenses, light and material when it comes to serious drug offenses."

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In addition, Handel emphasized that "this is not a one-off case but five different drug trafficking events," so the judge decided that "the applicant's actions are accompanied by a serious moral flaw that inflicts a crap" and that he will not be able to contend with the 23rd Knesset election.

Silver, who is currently in custody, announced last week that he will run for election. Silver is in second place in a new party that will run under the name "liberal economic power." The first place on the list was the economist Gilad Alper, who was second on the "Identity" list of Moshe Feiglin. Now, following the disqualification of Silver's nomination, his name will be removed from the list, but it is unclear whether the party will continue to run without it or quit the race altogether.

The 35-year-old Silver declared that "in light of the severe indictments against Telegrass activists and the severe distress of cannabis consumers in Israel, I decided to propose my candidacy for the 23rd Knesset." He also explained that he was running for the purpose of promoting legalization and "changing the rules of the game using the democratic tools the state offers legitimately."

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