Jonathan Pollard Files Lawsuit Against Ha'aretz

Media Release - February 3, 2000

Jonathan Pollard's attorneys plan to file a criminal suit in Israel's Civil Court today, Thursday February 3, 2000, at 11:30 a.m. against the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz, its editor Hanoch Marmri, and writer Ronen Bergman.

The suit is in response to a January 31, 2000 article written by Ronen Bergman, "Pollard's War Against His Benefactors". Pollard's attorneys advised Ha'aretz to retract the article and print a public apology, or face legal action. Ha'aretz did not respond .

The article presents barefaced lies as if they were facts, and does great damage to Jonathan Pollard. The appearance of the article, only days before the Israel Supreme Court is due to rule on Pollard's petition against Ehud Barak (on Sunday, February 6, 2000), appears to be a calculated attempt to negatively influence the Court and public opinion.

Esther Pollard, wife of Jonathan Pollard, will accompany Pollard's attorney Baruch Ben-Yosef to file the lawsuit. She will be available at 11:30 am at the Civil Court - Beit Mishpaht HaShalom, 6 Chesin Street, Jerusalem - to answer any questions.

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