The far-right government attack on Hadash is intensifying. After banning MK Ofer Cassif from Knesset proceedings for 6 months, the Israeli police has summoned Hadash Secretary General Amjad Shbita for questioning.

The renowned Communist member of the Knesset has been suspended from parliament for six months after denouncing the brutal colonial war on Gaza, where more than 43,000 Palestinians have been killed,

Hadash Secretary General Amjad Shbita during the last May Day demonstration in Nazareth, May 2024 (Photo: Al-Ittihad)

“My suspension is just another layer in a long series of attacks on free speech in Israel, there is a political persecution against anyone, especially Arabs but not only them, it is against anyone who holds an alternative voice of the ongoing genocidal massacre in Gaza,” Cassif told The New Arab on Monday.

According to British politician Jeremy Corbyn, “The suspension of Ofer Cassif from Israel’s Parliament is a disgraceful act of political persecution. He is being punished for having the courage to oppose Israel’s war crimes and the humanity to empathize with Palestinians. Solidarity with Ofer and all those calling for peace.”

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32235