Police probe protesters over posters with officers’ faces, claiming incitement

Anti-overhaul demonstrators in Tel Aviv display signs with pictures of cops accused of excessive force at recent rally; civil rights group: Probe constitutes ‘harassing protesters’

By ToI Staff 29 July 2023, 11:18 pm Edit
Signs identifying individual police officers in a photo issued by police on July 29, 2023. (Israel Police)
Signs identifying individual police officers in a photo issued by police on July 29, 2023. (Israel Police)

Police on Saturday announced an investigation into anti-government protesters for displaying signs in Tel Aviv with the faces and names of officers who allegedly used excessive force against them at recent rallies against the judicial overhaul.

The posters, which were seen in Tel Aviv, have pictures of the cops with the word “caution” above their names, below which is detailed their alleged use of excessive force against demonstrators.

A police statement said the probe was for insulting a public servant, defamation and incitement to violence.

“The Israel Police calls on the public to refrain from posting materials that harm officers and their families,” said the statement, which included a picture of the signs.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir slammed the signs and expressed support for the officers pictured in the posters, calling them “heroes.”

“The campaign of shaming and incitement… is shocking and crosses a red line,” Ben Gvir said in a statement.

The launch of the investigation was denounced by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.

“There is no basis for harassing protesters for waving signs that tell the truth. Instead of harassing demonstrators and trying to harm freedom of expression, police would be better served ensuring that its officers don’t again employ cruel and sadistic violence [against protesters],” said ACRI’s Avner Pinchuk.

Commissioner Kobi Shabtai was involved in the decision to open the probe, according to Hebrew media reports, which noted prosecutors have yet to confirm if they signed off on the move.

“The police have become the breakwater on which the protest crashes,” he said Saturday in televised remarks, accusing protesters of holding a “field trial” for the officers.

Among the police featured in the posters is riot police officer Yair Hanuna, who was photographed apparently smiling while he allegedly hit 18-year-old Amitai Aboudi during nationwide demonstrations held after the government on Monday passed the first law in the judicial shakeup. In one widely shared video, Aboudi was repeatedly assaulted and dragged by a group of police officers during his arrest on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv.

Kan reported on Wednesday that Aboudi’s family lodged a formal complaint with the Police Internal Investigations Department against the officers who arrested and allegedly assaulted him, including Hanuna. Police have reportedly denied that Hanuna hit Aboudi while he was already detained.

The public broadcaster also said the officers involved were not wearing bodycams at the time of the arrest, in contravention of regulations. Army Radio reported Wednesday that Hanuna is facing another PIID complaint over excessive force two weeks ago against a protester, who claims the officer broke his nose.

Police have defended officers’ conduct in responding to the mass protests Monday and early Tuesday, pushing back against accusations of excessive violence and police brutality.

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