Deputy to PLO Envoy Accused of Spying for Israel

A Palestinian with access to the PLO’s most sensitive documents has been accused of being an Israeli spy.

If it turns out that the man won Yasser Arafat’s trust while collaborating with Israeli intelligence, this is certain to embarrass the PLO chief just weeks after his landmark Sept. 13 peace treaty with Israel.

Adnan Yassen, deputy to Hakam Balawi, the PLO’s ambassador in Tunis, was arrested by Tunisian police Oct. 26 on suspicion of spying for Israel’s intelligence service, the Mossad.

He was handed over to the Palestine Liberation Organization and faces trial by a PLO court.

Yassen has not made any statement that has been publicized. No charges have been filed, and no trial date has been set.

In the past, Palestinians convicted of betraying the movement have been executed. But as Israel and the PLO try to make peace, it is not clear what sort of penalty he would face if found guilty.

PLO officials said this week that if the allegations prove correct, it would be the highest level in the organization’s command structure ever penetrated by Israeli intelligence.

Tunisian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a Western intelligence service led authorities to Yassen.

Yassen, who is in his late 40s, was in charge of administration and logistics at the PLO’s headquarters in Tunis and maintained intelligence files and other vital documents, officials said.