Channels

Friedmann. Conflict of interests
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Photo: Flash 90
Mazuz. Opposes proposal
Photo: Flash 90

Friedmann seeks to split attorney general position

Ministerial committee discussing private bill calling to split position into two posts: Attorney general and public prosecutor. Justice minister: Attorney general's position includes built-in conflict of interest

Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann announced Sunday an initiative that would lead to splitting the attorney general position into two separate posts: Attorney general and public prosecutor.

 

Friedmann made the announcement in a meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation Affairs. A ministerial committee overseeing the initiative has decided to delay its vote on the matter until Friedmann's position is finalized.

 

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz took part in the committee's discussions and declared he opposes the proposal.

 

During the discussion, the justice minister explained that "the attorney general position naturally includes a built-in conflict of interest. On the one hand, he serves as the government's lawyer, and on the other hand, he serves as the government's prosecutor. This is not a natural situation and we cannot work like this.

 

"People always say that such a change cannot be implemented when a prime minister is being probed, but in the past decades prime ministers have been under investigation on a permanent basis," said Friedmann.

 

The issue was raised following a private bill submitted by Knesset Member Arieh Eldad (National Union-National Religious Party), asking to split between the two posts.

 

"Over the years, many discussions have been held regarding the definition of the position of the attorney general, who also serves as the chief prosecutor," Eldad wrote in his explanation to the bill.

 

"The main problem stemming from the fact that the two posts are held by one person is the fact that due to his continuous consultation to the government and its authorities, the attorney general becomes too close to the government functionaries. This casts a doubt as to his ability to make a decision on whether to indict an official should this be required," Eldad wrote.

 

"The phenomenon of corruption among government officials often requires brave and decisive decisions on filing charges. Any link between the person acting as prosecutor and the senior officials may divert his reasoning and harm his decisions," he added.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.20.08, 19:09
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment