Likud MK to face charges for allegedly assaulting public official

Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit intends to indict Likud MK Oren Hazan on charges of assaulting a public official, insulting a public official and inappropriate conduct in public.

Mendelblit has informed Hazan, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, and Chairman of the Knesset House Committee MK Yoav Kisch of his decision, made based on a recommendation from State Attorney Shai Nitzan and after Hazan's arguments in a hearing on his case were dismissed.

The indictment deals with an incident that occurred in 2014, a year before Hazan was elected to the Knesset, in which Hazan shoved General Director of the Ariel Municipality Avi Ezer after an argument broke out between the two over a local business belonging to the MK's family, Baba Grill.

According to the draft indictment, Hazan was upset because a lien had been placed on the bank account of his mother, Aviva Hazan, due to unpaid property taxes.

"The accused approached the general director and began cursing at him, saying, 'Son of a bitch, thief, I'll throw you in the garbage," the draft indictment reads.

Ezer initially ignored Hazan, the draft states, but then Hazan moved closer and shoved him. Then, "the accused [Hazan] approached him a second time and shoved him harder, throwing the general director [Ezer] up against a handrail," the indictment alleged.

The indictment goes on to state that Hazan then proceeded to burst into the office of Ariel Mayor Eli Shaviro, refusing to leave while "threatening to 'handle' the mayor, saying he would make sure that he [the mayor] would 'never sit there again.'"

The law on parliamentary immunity allows Hazan 30 days to ask the Knesset to determine that he is immune to criminal prosecution on the indictment.

Hazan's attorneys, Zion Amir and Efraim Demri, issued a statement Monday, saying, "We were sorry and disappointed, even amazed, at the attorney general's decision to indict MK Hazan because of an argument between two politicians that took place years ago, long before he was elected to the Knesset.

"We thought that the case might possibly be shelved. For years, it was sitting there like an unturned stone, and was revived only after MK Hazan was elected to the Knesset. Unfortunately, they [the State Attorney's Office] saw fit to stir up the old case, which should have been closed. Full stop. It is important to remember that this is a case in which two politicians filed complaints against each other and is ultimately the tiniest of matters.

"Nevertheless, the decision is what it is, and we will wage the legal battle in the courtroom. We have full faith in and trust the legal system to bring the truth to light," the attorneys wrote.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

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