Israel denies ex-Arab MK early release

Former Palestinian-Israeli Member of the Knesset Basel Ghattas hasn’t expressed adequate remorse for his crimes to warrant early release, a parole board ruled today.

Ghattas, who was convicted in March 2017 of smuggling mobile phones to Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, had appealed to have his time in Gilboa Prison reduced by a third.

The Ministry of Justice said in a statement today that the parole board had accepted the state prosecutor’s recommendation and denied the application.

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“That is, among others, in light of the severity of the offenses for which he was convicted, which undeniably harmed the state’s security, and also because he didn’t express genuine remorse for his actions despite admitting he committed them,” the statement said.

Ghattas was convicted “of fraud, breach of trust, providing means to commit an act of terrorism, smuggling electronic contraband and breaking prison ordnances” and handed a two-year jail term.