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On July 11, after passing an anti-free speech bill, Israel's Knesset targeted Balad MK Hanin Zuabi, lawlessly stripping her of parliamentary privileges.
On July 18, the Ethics Committee prevented her from addressing the Knesset or vote in committees through the end of the parliamentary season because she participated in Freedom Flotilla I.
Last July, other rights were lawlessly stripped, including her diplomatic passport, financial help, legal assistance, and right (Knesset members have) to travel freely to countries with no official ties to Israel.
At issue, is Zuabi's vocal criticism of Israeli policies. Last week, security officers forcefully removed her from the Knesset after interrupting Netanyahu's speech, defending the new anti-boycott bill. In fact, Knesset practice lets members interrupt, raising issues or voicing criticism. An Israeli Arab, Zuabi was denied her right to do so.
A Final Comment
Complicit with Washington and Greece, Israel blocked "Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human (FF II)" boats from sailing to Gaza, or so it thought. On July 17, an FF II press release headlined, "French boat Dignite (al Karama) of Freedom Flotilla II leaves Greece," saying:
Departing on July 16, its 10 passengers "view themselves as (representing) the whole (FF II mission). The rest of the Flotilla's ships have been detained in different Greek ports, through bureaucratic obstruction, sabotage, sudden restrictions and withdrawals of flags."
Dignite, in fact, represents past and future missions. Saying "Gaza, we are coming," its message to Israel, Washington, and the international community is that initiatives won't stop until Gaza's illegal siege ends.
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