Jerusalem Sephardi Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shlomo Amar Shlita on Wednesday, Taanis Esther, addressed the state signing a witness agreement with former close confident to PM Netanyahu, Shlomo Filber, who will be testifying against the Prime Minister in the case known as Case 4000, involving Bezeq Communications and the Walla News website. There is sufficient evidence against Filber in the case, compelling him to cut a deal against the Prime Minister to save himself.
Speaking with Mendy Razel on Radio 101.5 FM, Rav Amar explained the concept of a state witness is unacceptable, calling it “pasul” according to halacha, questioning what the law basis acceptance of such a person on, one who incriminates another to save oneself from prosecution. He feels a war against corruption if the correct route and he questions the wisdom of the secular judicial system and the use of state witnesses.
When asked if a state witness is the same as bribery, Rav Amar responded “yes”, since the person is selected, briefed and prepared and receives remuneration for service rendered. “They tell him if you don’t cooperate you will go to prison, and for him it’s a sacrifice he makes to save himself.”
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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Rav Moshe wrote the same thing, to a US govt offical (maybe NY governor?), that halacha would view capital punishment as ossur if the conviction was obtained by someone who made a deal for a lighter sentence.