Nazareth mayor, deputy interrogated in blackmail probe

Nazareth Mayor Ramiz Jaraisy and his deputy Ali Hatib were interrogated by police on Tuesday, Israel Radio reported.

Jaraisy and Hatib are suspected of turning a blind eye to an extortion racket that has been operating in the Galilee town, with mobsters demanding protection money from local businesses. Three men arrested in connection to the case three months ago claimed the mayor and deputy mayor knew about the scheme, but did not report it to law enforcement officials.