Netanyahu's trial judges reject criticism following their suggestion to withdrawal bribery charges
The three judges overseeing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial rejected criticism after suggesting the state prosecution withdraw the bribery charges against the premier
The judges – Moshe Bar-Am, Rivka Friedman-Feldman and Oded Shaham – reportedly believe the bribery charges will be difficult to prove in court, while denying they were in any way influenced by Netanyahu’s defense team.
In June, the judges reportedly urged a plea bargain after informing the prosecution it would be difficult to prove the bribery charges against Netanyahu.
“Based on these difficulties, it was suggested that the state consider retracting the bribery charge,” the judges said in a joint statement, adding that their comments “were being made with the necessary caution.”
Israeli Attorney Amiram Gil criticized the judges for “the formation of a preconceived opinion in favor of the defense… before the prosecution has finished.”
He also said he believes the judge's position has been influenced by the prime minister’s defense team.
“These comments were not born in a vacuum but add to the impression that has been created that the court is intimidated by the trial, apparently because of its high social and political sensitivity,” Gil claimed.
However, the judges rejected the notion of favoring Netanyahu in the protracted trial which began in April 2021.
“The judges completely rejected the claim of forming a preconceived opinion in favor of the defense in the main issue… because most of the key witnesses on the relevant charge have been heard and questioned, including the state’s witnesses,” the judges said in a statement.
Netanyahu, who is facing charges of corruption and breach of trust, denies any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a political witch hunt seeking to remove a democratically elected premier from office.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
