MK Tibi receives death threats on Facebook

Arab MK files complaint with Knesset after receiving death threats saying: 'You're going to die soon, you and all the terrorists'

Moran Azulay|Published: 01.15.12 , 11:28

Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) has filed a complaint with the Knesset on Sunday after receiving death threats on his Facebook page. His complaint was then relayed to the police.

"You're going to die soon, you and all the terrorists. Your end is near," the messages read.

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Officials close to Tibi predicted the threats followed his speech last week before the Knesset plenum against MK Anastassia Michaeli (Yisrael Beiteinu), who spilled water on MK Ghaleb Majadele (Labor) during a heated debate in the Knesset's Education Committee meeting.

In his speech, Tibi attacked Michaeli, claiming "Anastassia's plumbing was damaged." Some claim his speech evoked hateful responses.

"Unfortunately Tibi receives threats every once in a while," an official in Tibi's office reported. "But this time the threats were blunt, backed by names, and we hope the police reach them quickly. A turbid wave is sweeping the country and the incitement against Arab MKs and causing the outlawing of elected representatives. MK Tibi will never deter or change his opinions because of death threats."

The Knesset's Ethics Committee decided Tuesday to suspend Michaeli from the Knesset plenum and all committees for a period of one month following Monday's incident where she spilled water on Majadele's face during a Knesset's Education, Culture and Sports Committee meeting.

Knesset Speaker Labor faction filed a formal grievance against Michaeli with the Ethics Committee immediately after the incident.