MIDDLE EAST: Israeli police yesterday arrested a Palestinian presidential candidate as he campaigned in Jerusalem in the latest incident to mar the run-up to elections for a successor to the late Yasser Arafat.
Aides to Dr Mustafa Barghouti said he was taken into custody while meeting Palestinians in Jerusalem's walled Old City, which the Jewish state captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed as its capital in a move that was not recognised internationally.
Police said Dr Barghouti, one of seven Palestinians running in the January 9th presidential elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, was suspected of violating his Israeli-issued entry permit.
"Barghouti was allowed to enter Jerusalem in order to travel through it to another destination. He is being questioned as we believe he planned to stay for an extended period in the city without authorisation," an Israeli police spokesman said.
Earlier yesterday, Israel freed 159 Palestinian prisoners as a gesture to Egypt and moderate new Palestinian leader Mr Mahmud Abbas, but the latter called for a "serious release" of thousands of security detainees.
In attempts to revive talks on Palestinian statehood with Israel, Mr Abbas has made prisoner releases part of his campaign for the January ballot to elect a successor to Yasser Arafat who died in November.
In tearful reunions with relatives, detainees kissed the ground and flashed V-for-victory signs as they walked to freedom. Cars honked horns and carried some prisoners around in a celebratory procession .
Palestinian leaders welcomed the release of 113 men jailed for security offences and 46 for illegally entering Israel, but said the move fell far short of their demands.
Most Palestinians regard jailed compatriots as heroes of their struggle for independence, and a broader prisoner release could strengthen Mr Abbas's hand to rein in militants who reject a ceasefire, with some sworn to destroying Israel.
Many of those freed were nearing the end of their sentences and had been jailed for membership in militant groups. Few had taken part in armed attacks on Israelis.
"I respect the release of every prisoner, but we need a serious release process," Mr Abbas told reporters in Ramallah. - (Reuters)