Barghouti Pardon a Campaign Issue
Commentary;
This is essentially a repeat of Peres’ statement of 3 months ago. Leftist Elitist message to the Islamic enemy; terrorism, murder and kidnapping pays — handsomely! MB
Full Text;
A number of foreign diplomats have been asking candidates for the Israeli Presidency whether they would be willing to pardon Tanzim head and convicted murderer Marwan Barghouti. A popular Arab leader seen as key to peace in the region, Barghouti has been in Israeli prison since being convicted for participating in the murder of five Israelis. There is speculation that he will be freed as part of a deal for the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
Former Prime Minister and current Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres has stated unequivocally that if elected President, a race which he lost to Moshe Katzav in 2000, he would pardon Barghouti. MK Reuven Rivlin, a Likud Presidential candidate, was much more circumspect, but still promised to sign the pardon if it is backed by the Justice Ministry and the government.