RAMALLAH, Jan. 14 (JMCC) - The English-language editor for Maan news agency is threatened with deportation after being detained at Ben Gurion airport upon entry to Israel.

Hebrew-language interrogation tapes obtained by Maan show that Palestinian-American Jared Malsin was questioned about his writing and work at the Bethlehem-based news agency.

The New-York based Comittee to Protect Journalists has released a statement criticizing Malsin's detention.

Israel cannot hide behind the pretext of security to sideline journalists who have done nothing more than maintain an editorial line that the authorities dislike, said Mohamed Abdel Dayem, the CPJ's program coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa.

Israel should release Jared Malsin without delay and allow him to resume his work, the statement concluded.

Malsin was granted a new hearing at 10 am on Thursday in a Tel Aviv court, where Maan lawyers are appealing the possible expulsion.

A detailed description of Malsin's detention can be read here...