Media figure and Balad activist arrested by Shin Bet and released: "Political persecution"

Abd Abu Shahada, a media figure and Balad activist, was released from Shin Bet custody after being arrested on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent. In an interview with Kan News, he claimed political persecution. The Shin Bet did not respond.

Media figure and Balad activist Abd Abu Shahada was interviewed this morning on Kan News, five days after being arrested at his home in Jaffa by Shin Bet investigators on serious suspicion of contact with a foreign agent. In the interview, he described the moments of his arrest and claimed it was political persecution. Yesterday he was released from custody after no evidence was found against him for security or criminal offenses. The arrest came following his visit to Qatar, where he interviewed Balad founder Azmi Bishara. Abu Shahada emphasized that he received legal advice before the trip and did not hide anything. During his interrogation, he was also asked political questions about voter turnout in the Arab community. Law enforcement officials criticized the handling, and some believe it was a Shin Bet fishing expedition in Arab parties. The Shin Bet chose not to respond.