US Lawmakers Call on Israel to Release Detained Media Figure Abed Abu Shhadeh
Three newly elected US House Democrats have urged Israel to release detained media figure Abed Abu Shhadeh, sparking new diplomatic friction.
Just days after their election to the United States Congress and before taking office, three newly elected Jewish members of the House of Representatives have called on Israel to immediately release Abed Abu Shhadeh, who was arrested on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent. In a letter sent to Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, Brad Lander of New York, Daniel Biss of Illinois, and Scott Wiener of California urged intervention in the case.
The three progressive Democrats, who will assume office in January, describe themselves as liberal Zionists and received backing from the liberal Jewish lobby J Street. Lander confirmed this marks their first joint action since the election. While they intended to focus on housing, healthcare, and immigration enforcement, Abu Shhadeh's arrest prompted an immediate response.
Demands for Transparency and Press Freedom
The lawmakers stated they care deeply about Israel and its democracy, arguing that Abu Shhadeh was targeted over an interview with former Knesset member Azmi Bishara. They asserted that interviews with controversial political figures form the core of journalism in a free society. Beyond his release, the trio demanded that if an indictment is filed, evidence must be shared with defense counsel and the trial held publicly.
Defense attorneys and representatives from the legal center Adalah maintain that Abu Shhadeh was arrested solely for interviewing Bishara in Qatar prior to the elections. However, during a court hearing, Judge Shelly Eytan-Coutin reviewed classified evidence and found reasonable suspicion, citing risks of obstruction of justice and public danger. The judge ruled that the investigation extends beyond legitimate journalistic work, extending his detention until Sunday.
Background on Azmi Bishara and Prior Friction
Bishara, the founder of Balad and a former Knesset member, left Israel in 2007 amid investigations and refused to return. According to the Shin Bet, Bishara is suspected of aiding the enemy during wartime and communicating with foreign agents. Bishara has denied the allegations.
For Brad Lander, this marks another diplomatic friction point with Israel following an incident last month where he was briefly detained in the West Bank during an olive harvest with Palestinian and activist groups, leading to the revocation of his entry permit.
