Israel: Member of Knesset Hanin Zuabi Stripped of Privileges over Flotilla Clash

Israel's Parliament, the Knesset, voted 34-16 on Tuesday to revoke three parliamentary privileges of Arab MK Hanin Zuabi because of her participation in the Freedom Flotilla that sailed to Gaza in late May. Zuabi cannot carry a diplomatic passport, cannot exit the country, and cannot claim the right to have the Knesset cover litigation fees if she faces trial.

Zuabi accused her fellow lawmakers of punishing her out of vengeance and said:

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It's not surprising that a country that strips the fundamental rights of its Arab citizens would revoke the privileges of a Knesset member who loyally represents her electorate.

In a civilized country, the people who incite against and threaten MK Zuabi would be punished and have sanctions imposed against them.

You have no freedom of choice with regards to the rules of democracy. There are fixed rules that do not change at whim. You do not need to protect democracy, but to protect me for democracy's sake.

Zuabi's party, Balad, condemned the decision as "racist and anti-democratic."

"The MKs who incite against Zuabi spill her blood –-- they are calling on the public to harm her and following their decision, her life will be threatened," Balad said in a statement.  "These MKs will be responsible for any harm that may be caused to her."