Victims of sexual, violent crimes gain right to address parole boards in new regulations
The rules, announced Sunday, allow victims to choose whether to explain in person or in writing how an offender’s release could threaten their safety.
Starting December, victims of sexual and violent crimes will be granted the right to address parole boards directly regarding a prisoner's early release, as per the new regulations signed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. These regulations, set to take effect in December, allow victims to choose between addressing the board in person or in writing, detailing how the offender's release could endanger their safety.
The change, though significant, doesn't introduce a new concept; victims have long been able to submit written views on the risks of early release since the 2001 Crime Victims' Rights Law. However, the new regulations make direct addressing of parole boards a guaranteed right. The process mandates victims to notify the parole board's secretariat at least 21 days prior to a hearing, with the option to submit written statements up to seven days before the hearing.
The accompanying form enables victims to select their preferred method of testimony, and for oral statements to be delivered without the prisoner's presence. However, the law stipulates that a hearing cannot be postponed solely to accommodate oral testimony if the prisoner has already served two-thirds of their sentence. Victims whose cases are handled by the administrative unit dealing with shorter prison sentences can still submit written statements.
The legislation, approved by the Knesset in June 2025, emerged from a bill initiated by MK Chili Tropper and others, reflecting years of complaints from victims struggling to be heard during parole hearings.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
