Jerusalem – Ex-Arab Israeli Lawmaker Sentenced In Israel

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    Former Joint Arab List member Basel Ghattas arrives for a court hearing at the Beer Sheva Magistrate's Court, April 9, 2017. Ghattas is accused of smuggling cell phones to Palestinian security prisoners. Photo by Yehuda Peretz/POOLJerusalem – A former Arab Israeli lawmaker has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to smuggling cellphones to Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

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    An Israeli court on Sunday accepted a plea bargain between Basel Ghattas and prosecutors. Under the deal, Ghattas admitted to slipping the phones and SIM cards to Palestinian inmates during a prison visit. As part of the deal, Ghattas, a member of the Joint List of Arab parties, agreed to resign from parliament last month.

    Ghattas is to report to prison in July. He must serve two years, plus pay a $33,000 fine or serve an additional four months.

    Arabs make up about one-fifth of Israel’s population. While holding citizenship rights, they often face discrimination and are sometimes viewed with suspicion for identifying with Palestinians.


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    2 Comments
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    Speaksoftly
    Speaksoftly
    6 years ago

    He is not an ex-Arab, he is an ex-lawmaker .

    Butterfly
    Butterfly
    6 years ago

    They were very lenient with him!!