The journalists' organization sent a letter to Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, demanding that the investigation into the attack on journalist Yair Sharki be reopened.
In a letter published in Walla! Barangay, Yair Tarchitsky of the Journalists' Organization wrote: "In light of the documentation of the event and the testimonies of those present, this is a puzzling decision that, in our opinion, indicates a lack of desire to deal with the problem of violence by security forces against journalists, of which Sharki's attack is only one manifestation among many. This violence directly harms the Israeli public and its right to receive reliable information regarding events on the agenda - information that can only come through journalists who are on the ground in real time.".
""It seems that the law enforcement system treats ordinary citizens one way, but when it comes to dealing with violence by security forces, the treatment is completely different. This is the feeling that emerges from the closure of the current investigation, this is the feeling that also emerges from other cases. We will not agree that the safety of journalists will be in jeopardy.".
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""We call on you," Trichytsky wrote to Levinstein, "to take advantage of your authority and initiate a reopening of the investigation – not only to protect the rights of Yair Sharki, but also to protect all journalists in Israel and to allow us to fulfill our mission as public servants, without having to fear police violence.".
Sharki, the religious affairs correspondent for News2, was beaten a year ago – while still working as a correspondent for the military radio station Galei Tzahal – by violent riot police officers, while he was covering an ultra-Orthodox demonstration near the grave of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt"l, in the Sanhedria Cemetery in Jerusalem.
Sharky's religious appearance, which includes a large knitted kippah and curly wigs, occasionally led to misunderstandings with security forces and the police. On one occasion, he was even detained for questioning by members of the Shin Bet's Personal Security Unit.
The MHAS opened an investigation, but about two weeks ago, the MHAS informed Sharki that the investigation had been closed.
""This is what it looked like almost a year ago, when police attacked me while I was covering a demonstration near the grave of Rabbi Ovadia," Sharki wrote on his Facebook page, showing photos of his attack.
""I don't like these photos, I'm not looking for personal revenge, and I certainly don't want to whine. But when I received this letter today from the police department, announcing the closure of the investigation due to lack of guilt (!), I looked at the photos again and couldn't understand what else is needed for violent police officers to be brought to justice here.".
""And if this is what happens in a case that has yet to receive any publicity, imagine how easily it happens in another 93% of the cases that are closed every year, most of them without even an investigation.".
Sharky told Haredim10: "I prefer not to respond. I am considering appealing.".
