High Court Hears Petition on Protecting Attorneys from Courthouse Harassment

The High Court of Justice is holding a hearing this morning on a petition demanding protection for attorneys against political harassment and threats inside court premises. Left-wing human rights organizations filed the petition against the Courts Administration.

The panel of judges hearing the case includes Dafna Barak-Erez, Gila Canfy-Steinitz, and Yechiel Kasher, with the session being broadcast live. Petitioners include the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, HaMoked, Gisha, Yesh Din, and Physicians for Human Rights, represented by attorneys Michael Sfard and Einat Geer.

The petition calls for an immediate end to politically motivated harassment, threats, and intimidation targeting lawyers in court buildings, arguing that such phenomena undermine professional independence and the judicial process.

Petitioners state that attorneys representing human rights groups and protest movements have long faced verbal abuse, accusations of treason, and intimidation in courthouse lobbies and courtrooms, compromising safety and the rule of law.