Labor MK Naama Lazimi claimed this evening (Saturday night) that she was attacked by police during a left-wing demonstration in Tel Aviv.
The police responded to the claims and released footage in which Lazimi is seen, according to police spokespeople, trying to help the arrested citizen smuggle out his cell phone, which was needed for interrogation.
The MK, who burst into tears, claimed against the police: "They pulled me by the hair and choked me, they used a frightening level of force, and all this while the protesters were shouting that I was a member of Knesset. It's scary to think what would have happened if there weren't protesters around me. Simply brutal and severe violence. The police have become the kind that scares citizens."
The police, on the other hand, accused her of abusing her immunity to obstruct the police: "Contrary to her claims that she was allegedly harmed by police, and in order to prevent misleading the public and slandering the police in vain, we would like to clarify that in practice the Knesset member is abusing her immunity to obstruct the police from carrying out their mission. We regret that a public office holder is behaving in a provocative manner."
The confrontation began after a suspect was arrested during an illegal left-wing demonstration near the Histadrut building in Tel Aviv, who poured fuel on planks and lit a fire next to the Histadrut building.
According to the police, after his arrest, the suspect was asked by the officers to hand over his cell phone, but the suspect tried to hide the phone, handing it to a woman who was next to him. Although the woman was told that the phone was required because it was evidence and should be handed over to the officer, she refused and tried to prevent it from being taken.
"In light of her refusal, the police were forced to use force to carry out their mission," the police say.
The police added: "As for MK Lazimi, who was present at the scene - we would like to clarify that contrary to her claims that she was allegedly harmed by police officers, and in order to prevent misleading the public and slandering the police in vain - we would like to clarify that in practice, the MK is taking advantage of her immunity to hinder the police from carrying out their mission."
"This was the case in the above-mentioned incident, when MK Lazimi interfered with the police officers performing their duties, while forcibly pushing herself between the police officers and preventing them from grabbing the woman's cell phone, as seen in the documentation.
"We regret that a public office holder is acting provocatively, cynically using parliamentary immunity, misleading the public, and defaming the police. We will not allow anyone to harm the work of the police who work day and night for the benefit of the entire public."
The one who was quick to attack the police was Labor Party Chairman Yair Golan: "The police violence directed tonight against MK Naama Lazimi, who defended with her body the families of the kidnapped and against protesters in Jerusalem, is crossing a red line, alarming and reminiscent of totalitarian regimes."
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