Orlev demands Knesset cease pension payments to former MK Azmi Bishara

By REBECCA ANNA STOIL
NU-NRP Chairman MK Zevulun Orlev delivered a missive Tuesday to Knesset Dir.-Gen. Avi Balashnikov demanding that he put an end to the monthly pension payments received by former MK Azmi Bishara. "It was brought to my attention that since Bishara fled the country, the Knesset has continued to pay him a monthly pension of over NIS 7000," said Orlev. "It does not seem comprehensible that a suspected traitor and a fugitive from the law who has fled to enemy states would continue to benefit from taxpayers' funds." Bishara has not returned to Israel in over a year, and is wanted for questioning by police under suspicion of money laundering and of aiding Israel's enemies during the Second Lebanon War.