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Al-Shayeb also accused al-Malaki, Palestinian National Fund Director Ramzi Khouri Abu Nabil, and PA Paris ambassador Hael al-Fahoum of complicity and nepotism in promoting Ibraghit despite foreign intelligence ties and other complaints charged.
He demanded Al-Shayeb apologize. Instead he defended his work. The foreign minister expected journalists to "expel (him) from their ranks. He has harmed the Palestinian media and published (false) reports. He should have been more professional."
Al-Malki filed a $6 million defamation suit under Article 189 of Jordan's Penal Code. According to human rights groups, it's enforceable on the West Bank. It permits libel damages for print media reports.
Al-Shayeb's also charged with defaming government officials. Under article 191, he faces up to two years in prison if convicted. Reports said Al-Ghad fired him.
That type accusation is serious. Journalists wouldn't make it lightly. Other Palestinian colleagues and human rights groups denounced Al-Shayeb's arrest. He alone was targeted. Ibraghit wasn't questioned.
The Palestinian center for development and media freedom (MADA) demanded his immediate release. It also called for ending "the policy of arrest and detention of (Palestinian) journalists. Al-Shayeb was simply doing his job...."
Under Palestinian law, journalists aren't obligated to reveal sources except on matters of national security, following a court order, or under unusual circumstances.
The International Press Institute (IPI) also questioned targeting Al-Shayeb for reporting on official wrongdoing. It said PA authorities had no reason to arrest him while investigating his charges continues.
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