After a four-month hiatus, the trial of Arab MK Azmi Bishara will resume in the Nazareth Magistrates Court today. Bishara faces charges related to public statements supporting a terror organization he made during visits to Syria and in addresses in the Israeli-Arab municipality of Um el-Fahm. Bishara called for an increase in military opposition to Israel by Hizbullah, and expressed \"praise and encouragement for potentially-fatal violence.\" The Knesset voted last November to lift his parliamentary immunity, paving the way for his trial.
Defense motions by his attorney and Adalah, the Legal Center for the Rights of the Arab Minority in Israel, have labeled the trial \"political,\" insisting the statements made by Bishara are legitimate for an elected official in a democratic society. State Attorney Moshe Lador will respond to these points today. Bishara supporters have arranged for the presence of nine European \"observers\" to be in the courtroom.
Defense motions by his attorney and Adalah, the Legal Center for the Rights of the Arab Minority in Israel, have labeled the trial \"political,\" insisting the statements made by Bishara are legitimate for an elected official in a democratic society. State Attorney Moshe Lador will respond to these points today. Bishara supporters have arranged for the presence of nine European \"observers\" to be in the courtroom.