Knesset committee to discuss stripping Ghattas of MK immunity
Discussions come in light of suspicions that MK Basel Ghattas smuggled cellphones to Palestinian security prisoners; if immunity rights are removed, police will be granted authority to formally arrest Ghattas: committee chairman: 'This bears significant consequences and we will deal with it accordingly.'
The Knesset House Committee will convene on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether or not to strip MK Basel Ghattas (Joint List) of immunity afforded to all MKs, in light of an ongoing investigation against him over suspicions that he smuggled 12 cellphones to Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails.
Chairman of the committee, MK Yoav Kish (Likud), said on Wednesday that the discussions would take place in accordance with a request submitted by State Attorney Avichai Mandelblit.
If the outcome of the discussion does result in the removal of Ghattas’s immunity rights, the police will be granted authority to place him under formal arrest.
“I will keep the discussion topical and not litigious. This bears significant consequences and we will deal with it accordingly,” Kish said.
By Wednesday afternoon, Ghattas wrote a letter to Kish informing him that he would not appear for the committee session.
The discussion is set to take place a day after the committee approved an initiative proposed by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan that would substantially hinder MKs' ability to visit security prisoners.
Ghattas arrived at the Israel Police's Anti-Fraud Unit Lahav 433 in Lod for questioning on Tuesday morning where he was asked about the incident for four hours.
Shortly before entering into the building where he was questioned, Ghattas denied any wrongdoing, instead accusing the establishment of targeting him.
“I go out with my head raised high...This is all a political witch hunt,” Ghattas protested. “Everything is alright. We have gotten used to investigations of these sorts. It is all intended to harm our struggle. The moment I leave the investigation, I will explain things clearly.”
During his questioning, Ghattas reportedly expressed surprise at the incriminating photos presented which appeared to substantiate the claims made against him. Shortly after leaving the investigation room, Ghattas tied himself to the illicit smuggling when he issued a statement which appeared to justify his actions.
“The visits to the prisoners are part of the a humanitarian and moral work that I am committed. The issue of prisoners is painful and unbearable. The prisoners suffer in hard conditions and taking care of this issue is part of my public and parliamentary post and I take care of it responsibly,” Ghattas said.
