Supreme Court allows Lieberman to distribute Charlie Hebdo during canvassing

Israel's High Court of Justice ruled on Thursday that a far-right party was not violating election rules by distributing copies of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo during campaigning.

Yisrael Beitenu, the party of the outspoken Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, had been looking to distribute a special edition of the controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine – featuring a front cover with the headline “all is forgiven” over an offensive picture of the Prophet Mohammed (whose head was shaped like a male reproductive organ) – while canvassing for the upcoming Israeli elections.

Israel's electoral commission had originally ruled that the distribution of the magazine would be tantamount to “bribery” on the part of the party, but this was struck down by the High Court of Justice.

"In the form of election propaganda, (Beitenu) are allowed to distribute the special issue of Charlie Hebdo to voters," the court said.

"It is legitimate electoral propaganda."

Lieberman welcomed the court's decision, writing on his Facebook page that it was “an important message that Israel remains a Jewish and democratic state and that we do not submit to the threats and aggression of the Arab MKs.”

Ahmed Tibi, Knesset member for the Joint List coalition of Arab parties, originally requested that the electoral commission look into the legality of the magazine distribution and has been a particular focus of Yisrael Beitenu's ire.

The original intention was to distribute the magazine wrapped in a cover reading “Ahmed Tibi did not want you to see this. Ahmed Tibi does not recognize Israel; we do. Papers do not kill; terrorism kills. Vote Liberman. Yisrael Beitenu.”

Charlie Hebdo, which has been published in France since the 1960's and provocatively lampoons political and religious figures, made global headlines in January when gunmen, claiming to be affiliated to al-Qaeda, attacked and killed 12 journalists at the magazine's offices in Paris.

On 5 February, members of Beitenu taped shut and set up a stall in Tel Aviv, displaying copies of Charlie Hebdo for public perusal, in solidarity with the victims.

"We will not surrender, and we will publish whatever we like, whenever we like," said Lieberman at the tune.