MQG to push for fines, arrest of MKs involved in decision to ignore Supreme Court ruling

The Movement for Quality Government (MQG) rallied Sunday night to protest the Israeli government's declaration that it will disregard a High Court of Justice ruling concerning the Second Authority Council. The MQG, a watchdog organization, condemned the government's stance, labeling it as operating "like a bunch of anarchists in suits."

“

This government operates like a bunch of anarchists in suits.

MQG chairman Dr. Eliad Shraga stated that a government cannot deem court rulings as mere recommendations, asserting that "anarchists in suits, sitting around the cabinet table, cannot decide that the court binds the citizens but not them." The group announced its intention to petition the High Court under the Contempt of Court Ordinance. They aim to pursue sanctions, including fines or even arrest, against the ministers responsible for the government's decision if they fail to comply with the court's order.

“

This is a government that behaves as if the law is a recommendation. Anarchists in suits, sitting around the cabinet table, cannot decide that the court binds the citizens but not them.

Adv. Michael Partam, Deputy Chairman of the MQG, expressed concern that the government has consistently sought to erode the independence of the judiciary. He argued that the legal system's independence has been an "embarrassment" to the government since its inception. Partam warned that if the government succeeds in its plan, it would lead to an "almost unlimited power" concentrated within the executive branch. He highlighted the "relentless effort to undermine trust in the courts and the legal system" as a primary tactic to reduce the judiciary's ability to balance the political system.

“

From day one, the independence of the legal system, judges and legal advisors, has been a source of embarrassment to the government, and it has been steadily striving to erode the independence of the only authority that is not under its supervision.

The MQG urged the attorney-general and other "gatekeepers" to oppose the government's move. The movement reiterated its commitment to the ongoing legal and public fight, emphasizing that "in the State of Israel, no one is above the law, not even the government."

“

It is clear that if the government succeeds in its plan, almost unlimited power will be concentrated in the executive branch. One of the ugliest things is the relentless effort to undermine trust in the courts and the legal system, all with the aim of reducing the ability of the legal system to balance the political system.