Rights in Police Encounters and How to Complain

Ethiopian Israelis report a higher incidence of stops, searches, and even police violence. Knowing your legal rights is a form of self-defence.

Rights during a stop (עיכוב) Stops are governed by **Chapter C of the Criminal Procedure (Enforcement Powers — Arrests) Law, 1996** (ss.66-75). An officer may detain a person only with **reasonable grounds to suspect** they committed or are about to commit an offence (s.67). Transfer to a station is permitted only where there are **both** reasonable grounds **and** an inability to establish identity or question you on the spot (s.67(b)). Ask: "Am I being detained? What is the reason? Am I free to go?" — the officer must answer.

The stop report — a practical tool Under **s.74** the officer must file a stop report (name, reason, duration) whenever you were taken to a station **or** detained for **20 minutes or more**. You may ask whether one was recorded.

Rights during a body search A body search requires explicit consent, a judicial warrant, or concrete reasonable suspicion. If an officer asks to search you — ask what authority they are relying on. Do not physically resist — but say clearly: "I do not consent to this search." Document it.

Rights on arrest On arrest: (1) **right to silence** — you are not required to incriminate yourself, and what you say can be used against you; (2) **right to consult a lawyer** (s.34 of the Arrests Law) — the right exists, but the law permits the meeting to be postponed in defined circumstances, so ask to exercise it immediately and in writing; (3) **notification of a relative** — the law says notice is given **"without delay"** (s.33(a)), not "within a few hours"; (4) **questioning in a language you understand** — under the **Criminal Procedure (Interrogation of Suspects) Law, 2002, s.2**, a suspect's interrogation is conducted in their language or a language they understand and speak. This is the provision that matters for Amharic speakers.

How to complain — MAHASH The Police Investigations Department (MAHASH) at the Ministry of Justice investigates complaints against officers. File: (1) via the Ministry of Justice online form; (2) at a police station; (3) directly with MAHASH. Keep everything in writing and file as early as you can — evidence and camera footage disappear over time.

Sources: [Arrests Law 1996](https://www.nevo.co.il/law_html/law00/98568.htm) · [complaint form against a police officer](https://mojforms.justice.gov.il/mojaemformstateattorney/complaintagainstpolice.html) · verified September 2026.

Legal accompaniment Tebeka offers free advice in cases of police violence and ethnic-based discrimination. Contact them early — before the case is closed.