Ghattas questioned in financial corruption probe
Israel Police summoned MK Ghattas for questioning in regards to an ongoing investigation into financial corruption related to the Balad party, which has been ongoing since September; Ghattas: 'The investigation into Balad and its leadership is nothing more than political persecution with the object being to damage Balad's political image.'
The interrogation was conducted with the approval of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.
As part of the case, police are investigating senior members of Balad for offenses including illegal fundraising and hiding funds and their sources. For example, money is suspected to have come from Arab countries such as Qatar and was smuggled into Israel for use in political activities.
According to police, over the course of an extended period of time, millions of shekels flowed into the party from various Arab organizations abroad and other countries. A portion of the money was smuggled into Israel in a variety of ways, including cash and suitcases.
MK Ghattas said in response that the investigation into Balad and its leadership is nothing more than "political persecution with the object being to damage Balad's political image. The puzzling timing of this investigation is the result of police misconduct aimed at affecting my legal case by creating a hostile environment around me. This attempt will not work and neither will the political persecution."
MK Ghattas is currently under indictment for smuggling telephones to terrorists in Israeli prisons.
Earlier Monday, the Zionist Union announced that it will work to have Ghattas removed from the Knesset by impeachment.
