Ex-chief justice Barak: Slippery slope of violence could end in murder of judge, civil war |
Dozens of judges have contacted their court administrators to express worries in light of the attack on Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg’s home by Haredi extremists, saying they fear the violence will reach their homes and families as well, Israeli television reported Thursday.
Judges also said they were concerned that Wednesday’s riot will make it harder to do their work, chilling the justice system, according to Channel 12 news.
The Israel Judges’ Association, which represents the interests of judges in dealings with the Israel Courts Administration, has announced meetings in all courts around the country on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to discuss the impact of the attack on Sohlberg’s home and the need to ensure that judges can perform their duties without fear.
Former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak told Channel 12 that the riot has made him very worried about the safety of judges, warning that Israel was on a slippery slope that could lead to the murder of judges.
Barak also expressed concern with increasing violence in Israel in general, and the possibility that societal divisions could even lead to a civil war.
“It started with protests in the courtrooms, and… continued on to what happened with Judge Sohlberg, and it could come to the murder of a judge,” Barak said.
“Our society has become more violent for reasons that are known and we are heading for a growing national schism, and I will not be surprised that if the necessary steps aren’t taken… principally by the government and principally by the prime minister, then we will even get to a civil war,” he continued,........