"On the basis of the powers conferred upon us and in the public
interest, it has been decided to close the satellite company immediately," a
PA Interior Ministry statement said.
Palestinian sources said the raid was part of a crackdown ordered by PA
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Dahlan. Dahlan, a member of the Fatah Central
Committee, has been deemed a leading critic of Abbas and lobbied for his
resignation.
Dahlan, long regarded as a favorite of the United States, was also
accused of spreading rumors that Abbas' two sons were involved in
corruption. In response, Abbas ordered the removal of police protection from
Dahlan's residence, which prompted his family to relocate to neighboring
Jordan.
Palestine Tomorrow was said to be formally owned by the Egyptian-based
company Al Mustaqbal. Al Mustaqbal attorney Mussa Mansour denied that the
satellite channel was linked to Dahlan, adding that the PA Interior Ministry
ordered the station closed on Dec. 1.
Mansour did not say why the station was being closed. He said Palestine
Tomorrow received a license from the Interior Ministry in November 2010.
"We have complied with the order and will appeal," Mansour said.
Palestinian sources said Al Mustaqbal marked a partnership between
Dahlan and Egyptian investors. They said the satellite channel was to have
begun full operations in January 2011 amid delays of the arrival of
equipment.
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