Members of the public defender’s office and a Tel Aviv Magistrate Court judge are among those expressing criticism against the police Nachshon Unit, responsible for transporting prisoners from the nation’s prison’s to court sessions.

The public defenders complain that the prisoners are not brought on time for hearings, resulting in difficulties and compromising their ability to properly defend them. They allege the prisoners are also not treated in a fitting fashion.

Judges are among the critics, stating the prisoners arrive at the courthouse about 30 minutes late, and until they make their way to the courtroom, another half-hour can pass.

Attorneys add that in some cases, prisoners are taken from one prison to another, traveling for days ahead of a courtroom hearing, arriving in handcuffs, chained to other inmates and often, without having been fed for a prolonged period of time.

Responding to the report, Nachshon officials stated that the delays are the result of an increase in the number of hearings and the court’s lack of proper advanced notice. The statement also pointed out that in a recent meeting between representatives of the Supreme Court and the Nachshon Unit, the prison transport unit was commended for its excellence.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)