Arab Party Condemns Arrest of Journalist Abd Abu Shehadeh

The National Democratic Assembly (Balad) party has condemned the arrest of journalist and political activist Abd Abu Shehadeh from his home in Jaffa last night. The party stated that Abu Shehadeh, who previously served as head of the Islamic Committee in Jaffa and a member of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipal council, had his detention extended for five days. Balad described the arrest as politically motivated, aimed at suppressing journalistic work and freedom of expression.

The party asserted that Abu Shehadeh is recognized for his political, journalistic, and community roles in defending his people's rights and causes, particularly his active presence in Jaffa and his opposition to displacement and exclusion policies affecting the city. Balad noted that Abu Shehadeh's interviews and writings are publicly available under his name.

Balad further commented that initial attempts to ban the publication of information related to his case, which were later overturned by a court, served as a cover for the political nature of his arrest and an effort to silence him. The party highlighted the broad support Abu Shehadeh received, with diverse political groups gathering at the court, reflecting his esteemed position and role, and demonstrating rejection of his persecution.

The National Democratic Assembly called for Abu Shehadeh's immediate release and an end to the arbitrary arrest and persecution of journalists and political activists. The party affirmed that intimidation tactics will not deter their people from defending their rights and engaging in their political, journalistic, and community roles.