In a ruling of exceptional severity, a former police officer has been ordered to pay significant financial compensation after the Tel Aviv Magistrate Court found he violated the rights of a migrant worker. According to reports, the former officer, Nazih Saeb, is to compensate the plaintiff, Hobi Parshad Bakhusal, approximately 354,000 NIS, plus interest and linkage differentials, along with 35,000 NIS in legal fees and expenses. The lawsuit was filed by attorneys Ariel Sarig and Asaf Lefler against both the officer and the State of Israel.
The background to the incident dates back to 2023, when the plaintiff kept cash in a Levinsky Street apartment belonging to foreign workers from various countries who lacked access to bank accounts. According to the statement of claim, the officer entered the apartment, ordered everyone except the plaintiff to leave, and conducted an unauthorized search, ultimately seizing large sums of money. Judge Aviyam Barkai described the act as a grave incident, noting that a uniformed officer abused his authority to commit robbery. It is noted that Saeb was previously convicted in a plea bargain for demanding property under threats regarding these same events.
A dispute arose in court regarding the amounts returned to the plaintiff. While the state argued that the criminal proceedings resulted in the restitution of 210,000 NIS, the plaintiff clarified that his share was only 165,000 NIS, a claim the court found substantiated. Compensation was awarded for the remainder, combined with claims for false imprisonment, trespassing, and emotional distress. The plaintiff's attorneys emphasized that this ruling is only a preliminary stage. They intend to continue litigation against the State of Israel, maintaining that the state bears vicarious liability for acts committed by its representative. They added that the psychological damage caused to the migrant worker, who believed the officer was there to protect him, is immense. The legal battle against the state is expected to continue, seeking remedy and compensation for the systemic failure in this affair.