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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Arab-Israeli activist admits spying for Hezbollah |
| 2010-10-29 |
| [Arab News] A well known Arab writer and political activist Amir Makhoul on Wednesday admitted to charges of spying for Hezbullies. Makhoul signed a plea bargain with the Israeli prosecution in his case in Haifa District Court. He also admitted to contact with a foreign agent and giving information to the enemy. As a result of the bargain, charges against him now carry a maximum prison sentence of seven to 10 years. Israeli radio said that the prosecution removed the most serious charge, assisting an enemy in a time of war. According to the indictment, Makhoul said he handed Hezbullies information on the Israeli Army's Nahshonim training base, and that he attempted, unsuccessfully, to gain knowledge of the Shin Bet (Israeli internal intelligence agency) chief's residence. Makhoul also was accused of trying to hand over videos of "a terror attack" attempted in a Haifa mall and in general attempting to enlighten the "terror organization" on the weaknesses of the Israeli home front. The prosecution claims that Makhoul's admission has put an end to accusations of political persecution. "The plea bargain was approved by the highest ranking levels of prosecution, including the state prosecutor. Most importantly Makhoul, who claimed he was being politically persecuted at the beginning of this, now stands in front of the court and admits to the charges attributed to him." Makhoul served as the head of Ittijah (the Union of Arab Community-Based Associations) -- an umbrella group for Arab NGOs in Israel. He was jugged in May along with Omar Said, an activist with the Arab Balad party. |
| Posted by:Fred |