Opposition MKs pan ‘cynical debate on selective enforcement’ after being ejected from committee

After she and other opposition lawmakers are removed from the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee by chairman Simcha Rothman, National Unity MK Pnina Tamano-Shata protests what she describes as the “violation of the right of MKs to express themselves, silencing and mass expulsion of MKs from the opposition.”

In a statement, Tamano-Shata says that this is a low for Rothman, coming as it does “in the midst of an already cynical debate on selective enforcement.”

“Rothman is harming not only MKs but the public’s right to be heard through its elected officials,” she alleges amid a flood of criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Multiple opposition MKs were removed during the debate, including Yesh Atid’s Elazar Stern, who yelled “shame” at Rothman as he was led out of the room.

In a tweet, Yesh Atid MK Shelly Tal Meron slams the debate, which was convened by Rothman (Religious Zionism) to discuss “concerns about selective enforcement in the area of ​​leaks, violation of press freedom and the right to consult with a lawyer by investigative officials and the Shin Bet,” stating that it was “embarrassing and unnecessary” and constituted “persecution of the gatekeepers of Israeli democracy” and is intended to cover up “the criminal ties between the Prime Minister’s Office and the Qatari government.”

During the meeting, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara denied that there is any selective enforcement when it comes to dealing with cases of leaking of sensitive information.

In response, Likud MK Tally Gotliv declares that Baharav-Miara “knows nothing about criminal matters anyway,” while fellow Likud lawmaker MK Moshe Saada states that she will “not escape” being investigated.