Activists: Remove Police Comdr in Wake of Sexual Assault Accusations

A group of activists are leading protests to remove the commander of the Lahav 433 police anti-corruption unit, Deputy Commissioner Roni Ritman. This follows a petition that was heard on Thursday, September 29, in Israel’s Supreme Court seeking to indict Ritman.

Ritman was investigated for sexual harassment last year, but in December 2015 then Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein decided not to file an indictment due to “evidentiary issues.” Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich reinstated Ritman, after a temporary suspension, without any demotion or significant reprimand.

The commander of the Lahav 433 police anti-corruption unit, Deputy Commissioner Roni Ritman

The commander of the Lahav 433 police anti-corruption unit, Deputy Commissioner Roni Ritman (Photo: Israeli Police)

The allegations against Ritman were made by a single female subordinate, who claimed that on three occasions he sexually harassed her, including during a social function in which he allegedly kissed her against her will. Ritman was never charged with criminal wrongdoing. Along with the protest, a letter was sent to Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan signed by Meretz chairwoman Zehava Gal-On, MK Aida Touma-Sliman (Hadash – Joint List), MK Merav Michaeli (Zionist Union), and a host of other academicians, journalists and social activists. “We urge you send the police commissioner an unambiguous and uncompromising message about the need to rid the Israel Police of sex crimes and restore public confidence in it, and to ensure that the police force will act lawfully, as expected,” the letter said.