State wanted Kam affair to be published a month ago
During court hearing last month State Prosecution said has interest to inform public of stolen documents affair but maintained lifting of gag order should be done after negotiations with Uri Blau conclude
The Tel Aviv District Court cleared for publication on Tuesday that the State informed the court over a month ago that it was interested in lifting the gag order on the Kam-Blau affair "as a lesson for all to see."
However, due to ongoing negotiations with Ha'aretz journalist Uri Blau at the time to return documents stolen by ex-soldier Anat Kam from the office of the ormer Central Command chief, the State Prosecutor's Office wished to maintain the gag order.
Many have criticized the existence of the gag order on the affair for so long, despite the fact that it had been widely reported by foreign press.
It was claimed that the order itself was what had attracted public attention, turning Kam into a symbol of freedom of the press, while the State was unable to respond.
During a court hearing last month prosecutor Hadas Forer said: "I wish to illustrate a very important point. We, the State and all the bodies comprising it, have a very important public interest in publishing what can be published when the time comes for many purposes, including as a lesson for all to see. The moment we are able we shall initiate it. But not at the moment."
