Arab Political Group Demands Release of Journalist Abd Abu Shehadeh

The National Democratic Alliance (Al-Taggamo' Al-Watani Al-Dimuqrati) condemned on Wednesday evening the arrest of journalist and political activist Abd Abu Shehadeh, who previously served as head of the Islamic Authority in Jaffa and a member of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipal council. Abu Shehadeh was arrested from his home in Jaffa the previous night, and his detention was extended for five days. The group asserted that the arrest is politically motivated, targeting journalistic work and freedom of expression.

The Alliance emphasized Abu Shehadeh's prominent political, journalistic, and societal role in advocating for his people's rights and causes, highlighting his active presence in Jaffa and his opposition to displacement and exclusion policies affecting the city. They stated that his interviews and writings are publicly available under his name. The group noted that an initial gag order on his case, which was later overturned by a court, served as a cover for the political nature of his arrest and an attempt to silence him.

The Alliance added that the broad support for Abu Shehadeh and the diverse political groups that gathered at the court reflect his esteemed position and role, as well as a rejection of his persecution and intimidation. The group called for his immediate release and an end to the arbitrary arrest and harassment of journalists and political activists, stressing that intimidation tactics will not deter their people from defending their rights and engaging in their political and journalistic roles.

Separately, the Magistrate Court in Tel Aviv extended Abu Shehadeh's detention until Sunday. Police had requested an 8-day extension, citing alleged "communication with a foreign agent." His lawyer, Fuad Sultani, met with Abu Shehadeh on Wednesday, who stated he was interrogated about an interview with Dr. Azzam Bishara, Director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, for the podcast "Al-Maydan."