Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit plans to move ahead with a criminal indictment against MK Basel Ghattas, who smuggled mobile phones and components into Ketziot Prison for imprisoned Arab terrorists.

The MK has given up his parliamentary immunity and can now be charged with a crime. It appears an indictment for conspiracy to commit a crime is likely along with charges of breach of trust and violating Israel Prison Authority regulations.

Last week, the Knesset Ethic Committee decided to distance Ghattas from the Knesset plenum for a half year but he continues to receive his salary during the suspension period.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)