Israel passes controversial law altering police powers

JERUSALEM: Israel’s parliament passed a controversial law Thursday limiting the police’s ability to recommend charges following their investigations after criticism that lawmakers were seeking to protect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reports AFP. The law will not apply to current investigations, however, meaning that graft probes involving Netanyahu will not be affected—a change made after widespread criticism and large protests against corruption. Members of parliament gave final approval to the bill by a vote of 59-54 early Thursday after a marathon debate lasting nearly two days. Under the law, police will no longer be able to recommend to the attorney general whether or not to charge suspects at the conclusion of an investigation.

Israel passes controversial law altering police powers

JERUSALEM: Israels parliament passed a controversial law Thursday limiting the polices ability to recommend charges following their investigations after criticism that lawmakers were seeking to protect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reports AFP. The law will not apply to current investigations, however, meaning that graft probes involving Netanyahu will not be affecteda change made after widespread criticism and large protests against corruption. Members of parliament gave final approval to the bill by a vote of 59-54 early Thursday after a marathon debate lasting nearly two days. Under the law, police will no longer be able to recommend to the attorney general whether or not to charge suspects at the conclusion of an investigation.