Activists are speaking out against a plea deal offered to former minister Yaakov Litzman, allowing the MK to get off with only a fine of less than $1,000 for allegedly using his political power to help an accused sexual assailant avoid justice.
The Magen organization, which has helped survivors of Malka Leifer’s alleged abuse, says they are angry over the deal. It notes they should have been consulted on it, but expresses hope that Litzman copping to breach of trust will still have an effect.
“Next time, politicians will understand they are not above the law,” it says.
There is no immediate public reaction from Leifer’s accusers Dassi Erlich, Elly Saper and Nicole Meyer.
The Movement for Quality Government accuses outgoing Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit of making sweetheart deals to clear his docket before he retires at the end of the month.
UTJ MK Yaakov Litzman at the Knesset, November 2, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
“The attorney general’s end-of-season deals continue until the last minute. For shame!” the organization says in a statement.
“Once again, a shameful plea agreement was signed with an elected official,” the watchdog says. “We will all pay a price for this conduct.”
It says it has lodged a High Court petition against the deal.
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