A-G orders police investigation into top Nazareth judge over alleged sex crimes

Order comes as nformation about alleged sex offenses against other women came to light in the past few days.

By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON
Judge Yitzhak Cohen of Nazareth (photo credit: Courtesy)
Judge Yitzhak Cohen of Nazareth
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein ordered a police investigation on Thursday of Judge Yitzhak Cohen, president of the Nazareth District Court, for allegations of involvement in a series of sex crimes.
Information about alleged sex offenses against other women came to light in the past few days, which spurred the decision to open an investigation. One of the women showed willingness to file a formal complaint.
The allegations involve between three to five women, Channel 2 reported, noting that the last complaint of sexual harassment was only two years ago.
The first allegation was reportedly made by a relative of the judge many years ago, though the statute of limitations has passed.
Cohen is to be questioned by police under caution.
As a consequence of the decision to launch the investigation, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and President of the Supreme Court Asher Grunis withdrew Cohen’s candidacy for the top court.
Cohen denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
The police are also looking into information that other judges at the Court where Cohen served, knew about the allegations, Channel 2 reported.
Cohen announced on Tuesday he would be going on an “early vacation,” ahead of a possible investigation into his alleged involvement in a series of sex crimes.
Cohen was considered a candidate for a position on the Supreme Court, though experts do not think he would be one of the top contenders.
He did not say when he would return to the bench.
On Monday, Livni and Grunis met to discuss the case and the public outrage that has ensued.
Ometz – The Movement of Citizens for Good Governance and Social and Legal Justice, had called on Monday for Livni to suspend Cohen until the investigation is concluded.
Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.


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