High Court: Police must be more stern with Ritman over sexual harassment

Though the High Court did not order Roni Ritman's dismissal, it ruled on Monday that the police commissioner's decision regarding Ritman was problematic.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB
Updated: NOVEMBER 21, 2017 01:45
Commander Roni Ritman (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Commander Roni Ritman
(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
The High Court of Justice has ruled that the police must give its Lahav 433 commander a harsher rebuke for his admitted sexual harassment of a lower-ranking officer.
Asst.-Ch. Roni Ritman admitted to making inappropriate comments to the woman, but after the prosecution cleared him of criminal wrongdoing, Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich gave him command of the elite “Israeli FBI” with little more than a slap on the wrist.
Subsequent to Ritman being given command of Lahav 433, the female victim filed a petition with the High Court arguing that an admitted sexual harasser, even without an indictment, could not serve in such a senior position and demanded his dismissal.
Though the High Court did not order his dismissal, it did rule on Monday that Alsheich’s decision regarding Ritman was problematic and insisted that he further discipline the Lahav 433 com- mander.
While it left the exact nature of the disciplinary action to Alsheich’s discretion, the High Court did give an example of ordering Ritman to take special training to avoid future sexual harassment.
A police response indicated satisfaction that Ritman could remain at his post, while affirming that he would be expected to cooperate with further disciplinary measures.
Former attorney-general Yehuda Weinstein closed the criminal investigation against Ritman in December 2015, citing evidentiary problems.
The investigation against Ritman saw former police commissioner Yochanan Danino undergo questioning because the allegations stemmed from events that took place five years ago, when he headed the organization.


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