Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman filed a petition with the High Court of Justice on Sunday, demanding that the court order Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to explain why he has failed to reach a decision on the investigation launched against the Yisrael Beiteinu
chairman.
Lieberman said upon submitting the petition, "After 10 years, it appears that they have no intention of completing the investigation against me. I demand that the attorney general make a decision. They should either draft an indictment or close the case.
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| Lieberman: I’m being persecuted / Amnon Meranda |
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Yisrael Beiteinu chairman criticizes Justice Ministry for being a ‘serial suspect’ since 1996. Claims investigations were held in violation of rules, to hinder his eligibility for premiership |
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"Two years and three months ago, the State Prosecutor's Office declared that it would work swiftly. No decision has been made to this day, and I think enough time has passed for such a decision to be made.
"I fear the issue may continue until the next elections. My impression from this entire story is uncomfortable," Lieberman said, noting that the High Court should hold a quick discussion on the matter.
"As a person with no knowledge in the legal system, I am certain that after 10 years of investigation the police and State Prosecutor's Office should have reached a conclusion by now. This entire issue smells fishy," he concluded.
Lieberman has been protesting the ongoing procedures against him ever since the investigation was launched. About three months ago, he held a press conference in which he stated, “I’ve been a ‘serial suspect’ and a ‘favorite’ of the Investigations and Prosecutions Branch since 1996. The investigations were held in violation of rules, in persecution by blackmail and threats of those around me."
Lieberman added at the time that “the police have no excuse to drag out the investigation. Ten years is enough time to serve an indictment. If they can’t so that – they should close the case.”
The Tel Aviv District Court rejected Lieberman’s appeal a month ago, allowing the police to use materials found in the office of Lieberman's attorney’s office. The decision said, “an alarming scenario indicates alleged involvement of the MK, his daughter and his attorney Yoav Meni in acts that are beyond criminal.”
Lieberman's fellow faction member, MK Yitzhak Aharonovich, who previously served as deputy police commissioner, has called for the speeding up of public figures' investigations.
"I am well aware of the police's work. Sometimes, the delay is caused due to shortage in manpower and too much work."