Channel 14 Asks Supreme Court to Permit Live Broadcast of Shas Petition Hearing

Channel 14 submitted an urgent request to the Supreme Court on Thursday, asking to permit the live broadcast of the upcoming hearing regarding the petition filed by ШАС. The hearing, scheduled to take place before a panel of judges no later than Thursday, September 17, addresses a central public issue concerning the holding of a state memorial event for the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef during an election period.

Legal Arguments and Broadcast Request

The request, submitted through attorneys Yigal Danino and Sarit Bar, asks the Верховный суд to allow the broadcast via the judicial branch's transmission system and to permit Channel 14 to air it live on television and digital platforms. Alternatively, if the state system cannot be used, the channel requested permission to film and broadcast the session independently, in coordination with court spokespersons and security officials, ensuring no disruption to the proceedings.

"The petition raises a distinct public and constitutional issue regarding the balance between the legal obligation to hold a state memorial event on time and the restrictions of election propaganda laws," the legal filing stated.

Public Interest and Response

Channel 14 emphasized that due to a tight schedule and limited seating in the courtroom, the general public will not be able to follow the proceedings directly without a live broadcast. The network argued that broadcasting would allow citizens to observe the legal arguments without mediation or editing, noting that the case relies primarily on legal documents rather than sensitive witnesses or evidence.

Attorney Guy Bosi, representing ШАС in the petition, announced that the party supports the broadcast request. Due to the proximity of the hearing, Channel 14 has asked the court to issue a prompt ruling.