Israeli forces arrest journalist Abd Abu Shahada in Jaffa
Israeli security forces arrested journalist Abd Abu Shahada at his home in Jaffa late Tuesday night. About 15 masked personnel confiscated electronics and books. Police deny involvement; Shin Bet suspects contact with a foreign agent. His detention was extended until Sunday.
The detention of journalist Abd Abu Shahada, head of the Islamic Council in Jaffa, was extended until Sunday after the Magistrate's Court partially accepted the Shin Bet's request. A Shin Bet representative warned of a "serious concern for state security." With the lifting of the gag order, it emerged that the suspicion involves contacts with former Knesset member Azmi Bishara, defined as a foreign agent. The defense attorney argued that it was journalistic work, but the court ordered continued detention for further investigative actions. Abu Shahada is a journalist for the website "Arab 48," an activist in Balad, and chairman of the Islamic Association in Jaffa. Azmi Bishara left Israel in 2007 after being investigated on suspicion of aiding Hezbollah.