Israeli police probe controversial Arab lawmaker

Jerusalem, Apr 15: Israeli police have launched an investigation over unspecified criminal allegations against an Arab lawmaker who has long courted controversy by making solidarity visits to countries Israel designates as its enemies.

An Israeli court today partially lifted a gag order on the case against Azmi Bishara, allowing police to announce that its international crimes unit is investigating him. The statement did not elaborate on why the probe was ordered.

Bishara, who heads the anti-Zionist party Balad, has clashed with Israel's justice system in the past by making solidarity trips to Syria and Lebanon and invoking parliamentary immunity to evade prosecution for visiting ''enemy states''.

An Israeli Arab newspaper reported this month that Bishara planned to resign from parliament for reasons that could not be published. The report stoked speculation that Bishara, who was abroad, might stay away from Israel for fear of facing trial.

Balad confirmed Bishara was abroad but did not say where he was. It said his trip was preplanned and routine, and accused Israel of waging a ''witch-hunt'' against Bishara and using the court order to prevent him from clearing his name.

''Police are preventing Azmi from addressing the public over these serious charges, which have been leaked to the press and rumour mill,'' the party said in a statement. ''Balad may appeal to the High Court of Justice to get this gag order removed.'' A Balad spokesman said Bishara was expected back in the country when his foreign engagements were completed. The spokesman confirmed that the lawmaker was considered quitting, but described this as unconnected to the police probe.

Balad holds three of parliament's 120 seats. Its calls for Israel to abandon Zionism and merge with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to become a ''binational'' state resonates with many Israeli Arabs who complain of discrimination from the Jewish majority.

REUTERS

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