Extreme rightist, Police settle civil rights case

Noam Federman sues Israel Police after Court rules May 2010 arrest of illegal. Parties eventually reach monetary settlement

Aviad Glickman|Published: 05.04.11 , 19:21

The police will compensate extreme right-wing activist Noam Federman for illegally detaining him during a Western Wall visit in 2010, Ynet learned Wednesday.

Federman sued the department for NIS 50,000 (roughly $15,000) and settled for NIS 5,000 ($1,500).

The extreme right-wing activist claimed the police violated his civil rights after he was arrested following a May 2010 visit to the Western Wall.

The visit coincided with that of then-White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who met with a rightist protest rally. When Federman arrived at the area, he was approached by two Border Guard officers, who detained him despite his claims that he was not participating in the rally.

Federman was questions and then arraigned before a Jerusalem Magistrate's Court judge. The police asked he be released under court restrictions, but the judge ruled the arrest was illegal, and released Federman immediately.

Following the settlement, Federman told Ynet that "The Israel Police, by proxy of Left representative (Deputy State Prosecutor) Shai Nitzan, infringes on the Right's right to protest against those who hate Israel. I guess it is only through their pockets that the police and the State Prosecutor's Office can be made to understand that we have rights too."