Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense attorney was threatened with a fine on Wednesday after shouting at the judges during a hearing in the premier’s corruption trial.
Amit Hadad objected when Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman, the head of the panel of judges trying the case, asked the prosecution to provide her with documents relating to the police interrogation of Nir Hefetz, a former senior aide to the prime minister who turned state witness.
“How is that relevant?” Hadad asked, according to Hebrew media reports.
“I’m asking to review the document, and you’re asking me how it’s relevant?” responded Friedman-Feldman. “I think you’re confused, and this is a completely reversal [of the roles of attorney and judge], and this isn’t the first time this week.”
“This is unacceptable to me. Take a break if you want,” Hadad shouted, according to reports. “I’m done for today, I’ve reached my limit.”
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The judges then left the courtroom at the Tel Aviv District Court, returning after 25 minutes.
“It should be clarified that the parties’ attorneys have no right to object to the court’s questions, and if they continue, there could be personal fines,” Friedman-Feldman told the court.
Hadad apologized, and the trial resumed.
Jerusalem District Court Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman at a cornerstone laying ceremony for the new Hall of Justice at the entrance to Jerusalem, September 10, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
However, even after the proceedings continued, the defense and prosecution continued to argue over presenting evidence relating to Hefetz. The judge permitted Netanyahu to leave during the debate, which continued for some 40 minutes.
The premier is on trial for fraud and breach of trust in three cases and bribery in one of them. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and claims all three cases were fabricated by the police and state prosecution in an attempted political coup.
He recently requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, but offered no admission of guilt or contrition. He argued that it is in Israel’s national interest for him to be pardoned, so he can focus fully on running the country. The request is still pending.
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