Israeli police chief Shlomo Aharonishky warned on Thursday that if Arab-Israeli MK Azmi Bishara did not cooperate with a police investigation into his activities in Syria, “there are other means of dealing with him," according to the Jerusalem Post.
Bishara was asked to participate in the investigation upon his return from Damascus, but he refused to cooperate.
If Bishara does not cooperate, the police will seek the involvement of Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein to have Bishara's parliamentary immunity revoked, said Haaretz in a previous report.
Bishara returned from nine days in Syria, where he attended a memorial service on the anniversary of the death of the late Syrian president Hafez Assad. During his stay in Damascus, Bishara addressed Arab leaders known for their opposition to Israel and the peace process with the Palestinians, and called on the Arabs to unite in their "resistance" to Israel.
Bishara's comments outraged Israeli MKs, and Rubinstein ordered the police investigation.
The police intend to interrogate Bishara on suspicion of making contact with foreign agents, harming the security of Israel, and violations related to a failure to prevent terrorist actions.
Bishara said the investigation was motivated by political rather than legal concerns, Israel’s Army Radio reported, cited by the paper.
It added that he did not arrive at the Knesset Wednesday to take part in a debate about his recent controversial speech in Syria, and instead sent his remarks to the body in writing - Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
