Journalist Detention: Abu Shahada Cites Intimidation Tactics
Released after five days in custody, the reporter claims state powers were used to target Arab citizens and the press.
By Ana Castro ·
Journalist Abd Abu Shahada was released from Shin Bet custody on Monday after spending five days under suspicion of contacting a foreign agent.
In an interview with 103FM on November 9, Abu Shahada accused Israeli authorities of using detention powers to intimidate journalists and Arab citizens. He described his arrest as part of a broader effort to create fear within the media and the Arab community.
Officers arrived at Abu Shahada’s home around 10:30 or 11 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday. They presented warrants for his arrest and a search of his residence. He stated that he cooperated without resistance and was taken to the Shin Bet facility in Petah Tikva within hours. He declined to detail the interrogation, citing an ongoing investigation that restricted what he could share.
Abu Shahada noted he has worked in journalism for seven or eight years. He has published hundreds of articles in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. He also hosts a Thursday podcast with over 260 episodes that features guests from various political backgrounds.
He defended the legality of his reporting by pointing to an interview published on October 26. Abu Shahada said he consulted senior lawyers before accepting an invitation to comment on elections for Al Jazeera English. He was advised that the arrangement was legal as long as he held a visa and met specific legal requirements.
Regarding public reports that he called the investigation a "witch hunt," Abu Shahada said he did not know who made those statements. He argued that Arab participation in recent elections shifted the political map and Knesset seat distribution. He suggested this shift prompted officials to exploit state power against the community.
He acknowledged that his political instincts suggested a link between his arrest and the Shin Bet chief’s allegations of election interference. He noted that Justice Noam Solberg had approved the elections and found no internal unlawful activity on Election Day. Abu Shahada warned that the powerful mechanisms used in his case could easily be applied to other journalists in mainstream media.
