Far-left Israeli MK Ofer Cassif to be indicted for assaulting police officer

MK Ofer Cassif will be charged with assaulting a police officer, according to the letter of indictment released by Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara's office on Wednesday.

Cassif made an appeal in the same hearing where the decision was released, but his claims were denied.

Ofer Cassif accused Israel Police of political persecution

Shortly following the announcement, Cassif released a statement to the public.

"The political persecution and police violence are exposed for all to see, especially in recent times, in the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and the arbitrary and illegal ban on anti-war protests.

This is also what is the basis of the indictment against me - political persecution, police violence, and lies while compromising my immunity while fulfilling my duties as MK," he said.

"The threats and violence suffered by peace activists, the coordination of witnesses, and the destruction of evidence by the police are part of a system that exists today as it existed then, and also as happened in the demonstration in Sheikh Jarrah where I was attacked by policemen with severe violence and the case was closed," he continued.

"The timing of the decision now also speaks volumes. I will fight for my innocence in court and for my political path without fear."

Cassif was charged for a filmed May 2022 altercation in which he can be seen beating an Israel Police officer.