Son of Nazareth deputy mayor suspected of killing his wife

Arrest comes hours after his father took part in protest against domestic violence in Arab community.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Basel Salem (photo credit: Channel 2)
Basel Salem
(photo credit: Channel 2)
The son of Nazareth’s deputy mayor was arrested early on Sunday on suspicion of shooting his wife dead, hours after his father took part in a protest march against honor killings and domestic violence within the Arab Israeli community.
The shooting suspect, Basel Salem, 30, son of Deputy Mayor Ali Salem, claimed during police questioning that a bullet was accidentally fired from his handgun, resulting in the death of his wife, Haela Faisal, who was 28.
Police said that Salem “linked himself to the incident. He has not confessed nor denied the suspicion against him.” The investigation is being led by the Amakim Police Sub-District’s Central Unit, under the command of Dep.-Cmdr. Avi Elgarisi.
“The background to the incident is not yet clear,” Elgarisi said. Police and paramedics were called to the couple’s home by Salem family members.
The Nazareth Magistrate’s Court extended Salem’s custody by a week on Sunday afternoon.
Haela Faisal worked as a schoolteacher in Nazareth, and leaves behind three young children.
Police say there were no prior complaints of domestic violence in the family.
DeputyMayor Ali Salem is seen as a possible successor to Nazareth Mayor,Ramiz Jaraizi. He helped organize the Pope Benedict XVI’s visit toNazareth in 2009.