Tel Aviv Court Issues Restraining Order Against Michel Troni Over Harassment of Journalist's Wife
A Tel Aviv court issued a restraining order against social media figure Michel Troni, prohibiting the harassment of the wife of Israeli media journalist Daniel Elazar amid an ongoing feud stemming from 2021 investigative reports.
A Tel Aviv court has issued a restraining order against social media figure and "Animal Police" founder Michel Troni, prohibiting him from harassing, tracking, or invading the privacy of the wife of Israeli media journalist Daniel Elazar. The ruling follows an escalation of tensions and alleged threats against Elazar's family amid an ongoing feud stemming from investigative reports published in 2021.
Origins of the Dispute and Prior Rulings
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2021 investigative reports by Elazar regarding the company "Amoza," which involved Troni and Denis Cherkov. The reports detailed customer complaints regarding alleged deception and financial harm. Both men rejected the claims and filed defamation lawsuits against the broadcaster and its staff. In December 2022, the criminal investigation file was closed after authorities determined the scrutinized conduct did not constitute a criminal offense.
This is not the first time the confrontation has led to legal protection orders. In December 2022, Judge Raz Navon of the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court partially granted a request filed by Elazar against Troni and Cherkov, ordering them to maintain distance and cease contact. At the time, the judge also criticized Elazar for engaging in verbal altercations that escalated the situation.
Subsequent Legal Proceedings and Financial Rulings
In a separate proceeding concluded in December 2024, a court partially upheld a lawsuit filed by Olga Nikolayeva, Cherkov's partner, against Elazar over a courtroom video and disparaging remarks, ordering the journalist to pay 8,000 shekels after offsets. Meanwhile, a defamation lawsuit filed by Troni and Cherkov regarding the original Amoza investigation remains active, alongside a 1 million shekel lawsuit filed by Elazar against Troni, Cherkov, and others alleging a defamation campaign and impersonation.
Kan 11 strongly rejected allegations circulating on social media that Elazar demanded or received money to remove a report, confirming that the journalist filed an extortion complaint with authorities in February.
