Calling on the European Parliament to defend Knesset MP Hanin Zoabi from threats against her parliamentary rights, GUE/NGL MEP Patrick Le Hyaric today wrote to EP President Jerzy Buzek to request that he intervene on behalf of Zoabi who has publicly spoken out against Israeli attacks on the Free Gaza Flotilla, having witnessed the incident first-hand.

Ms. Zoabi was on board the Mavi Marmara ship where nine activists were killed by IDF commandos. She has criticized the Gaza blockade and the violations of international law committed by her country. Now, she is facing appalling accusations of "treason" and "terrorism" and an Israeli parliamentary committee recommended on June 7 that parliamentary rights be taken from her.

Le Hyaric is calling for the rights of the people's representatives in Israel to be respected so that Zoabi is unconditionally guaranteed the rights linked to her mandate.

The text of the letter is attached.

GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:

David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12

Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28

Sonja Giese + 32 486 94 50 21

www.guengl.eu

Gauche Unitaire Européenne / Gauche Verte Nordique

European United Left / Nordic Green Left