11 apr 2013
Reporters without Borders Condemn Shooting of Photographer
Reporters without Borders Thursday strongly condemned the action of an Israeli soldier who deliberately shot a Palestinian photographer in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet during an incursion by the Israeli forces into the Aida refugee camp, north of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, on April 8.
Mohamed Al-Azza, a photographer for Palestine News Network (PNN), was taking photos of the Israeli soldiers from the Lajee Centre, a children’s educational centre inside the camp when he was shot by the soldier.
Azza was taken to Beit Jala hospital after being hit in the right cheekbone by the bullet where he underwent an operation. He is expected to remain in the hospital for about 10 days.
Reporters without Borders urged the Israeli forces to investigate this deliberate shooting. The soldier who fired the shot should be severely punished.
The complete impunity enjoyed by Israeli forces soldiers responsible for violence against journalists must end, said the statement.
Al-Azza said, “I was on the second-floor balcony of the Lajee Centre, which is near the camp entrance. I was in a good location to photograph the soldiers as they advanced into the camp. A soldier saw me and shouted that I should go home. I replied: ‘Why? I am just taking photos.’ Despite his orders, I continued taking photos and that annoyed them.”
“At a certain point, I went inside but continued taking photos through a window and a half-open door. That is when I was hit in the face. A friend who was there helped me down but when we wanted to leave the building, the soldiers opened fire on the door again. My friend shouted to the soldiers that I was badly injured and needed to be taken to hospital. When they saw the blood on my face, they let us pass,” he added.
Mohamed Al-Azza, a photographer for Palestine News Network (PNN), was taking photos of the Israeli soldiers from the Lajee Centre, a children’s educational centre inside the camp when he was shot by the soldier.
Azza was taken to Beit Jala hospital after being hit in the right cheekbone by the bullet where he underwent an operation. He is expected to remain in the hospital for about 10 days.
Reporters without Borders urged the Israeli forces to investigate this deliberate shooting. The soldier who fired the shot should be severely punished.
The complete impunity enjoyed by Israeli forces soldiers responsible for violence against journalists must end, said the statement.
Al-Azza said, “I was on the second-floor balcony of the Lajee Centre, which is near the camp entrance. I was in a good location to photograph the soldiers as they advanced into the camp. A soldier saw me and shouted that I should go home. I replied: ‘Why? I am just taking photos.’ Despite his orders, I continued taking photos and that annoyed them.”
“At a certain point, I went inside but continued taking photos through a window and a half-open door. That is when I was hit in the face. A friend who was there helped me down but when we wanted to leave the building, the soldiers opened fire on the door again. My friend shouted to the soldiers that I was badly injured and needed to be taken to hospital. When they saw the blood on my face, they let us pass,” he added.
10 apr 2013
Forum of journalists slams PA for suppressing freedom of the press
The forum of Palestinian journalists on Tuesday strongly denounced the Palestinian Authority and its security forces for persisting in kidnapping and harassing Palestinian journalists in the West Bank.
In a press release, the forum stated that the PA security forces refused to release journalist Mohamed Awad on bail at the pretext there was a reason necessitating his detention.
The PA intelligence agency had kidnapped Awad last December.
The forum also condemned the PA security forces for threatening to kidnap journalist and youth activist Iman Silawi if she did not shut down her facebook page immediately, describing such threats as a serious deviation from the national course.
It said that such behavior is part of the mouth muzzling policy pursued by the PA to intimidate the journalists to stop criticizing its policies in the West Bank, and appealed to human rights groups to act against the PA violation of the freedom of the press.
In a press release, the forum stated that the PA security forces refused to release journalist Mohamed Awad on bail at the pretext there was a reason necessitating his detention.
The PA intelligence agency had kidnapped Awad last December.
The forum also condemned the PA security forces for threatening to kidnap journalist and youth activist Iman Silawi if she did not shut down her facebook page immediately, describing such threats as a serious deviation from the national course.
It said that such behavior is part of the mouth muzzling policy pursued by the PA to intimidate the journalists to stop criticizing its policies in the West Bank, and appealed to human rights groups to act against the PA violation of the freedom of the press.
9 apr 2013
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PHOTOS: Israeli troops shoot Palestinian photographer in the face
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES
Mohammad Al-Azza rests in the hospital the morning after being shot in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet by Israeli forces in Aida Refguee Camp. Beit Jala, West Bank, April 9, 2013. Al-Azza underwent two surgeries to remove the bullet, which lodged in his cheek below his right eye and fractured his skull. He is expected to make a full recovery. Israeli soldiers target a Palestinian photographer who was taking pictures of them invading Aida Refugee Camp, shooting him in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet. |
At about 5:30 p.m. Monday, Israeli soldiers entered Aida Refugee Camp through a gate in the separation wall dividing Rachel’s Tomb from Bethlehem. There were no clashes at the time, and their presence in the camp was not provoked, but was itself a provocation.
Mohammad Al-Azza began photographing the advancing soldiers from the second-floor balcony of the Lajee Center, a children’s center near the camp entrance where he has long volunteered in the media unit. He was eager to use the center’s new camera, a Canon 600D with a 50-250mm zoom lens.
As he was photographing, one of the soldiers shouted at him in Arabic to “Go home!” Mohammad replied, “Why? I’m only taking pictures!” The soldiers continued shouting at him, “Go inside! Go inside!”
Mohammad replied, “No, I will not go! As you have a gun and shoot at children, I have a camera and I’m taking pictures—I do nothing to you!”
The soldiers, who became angrier continued threatening Mohammad with their guns. Mohammad decided to go inside, but continued taking photos through the window and through the doorway opened just wide enough for his camera lens to fit through.
By this time, a few youth from the camp were throwing stones, while the soldiers fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas grenades into the camp. However, with many arrests and shootings by Israeli forces in the camp in recent months, the response from camp residents was smaller than usual. Two children in the Aida Camp have been shot with live ammunition by Israeli forces in recent months, one of them fatally.
About 10 minutes after Mohammad had exited the balcony, a soldier with a tear gas gun shouted again at Mohammad to stop taking photos through the partially opened door. His final photo, above, shows a soldier aiming an M16 rifle outfitted for rubber bullets. As Mohammad turned to leave the doorway, this soldier fired a rubber-coated steel bullet which penetrated Mohammad’s cheek below the right eye and fractured his skull.
Despite the seriousness of his injury, Mohammad remained conscious, and a friend who was in the room with him helped him down the stairs to the center’s front door. But with the soldiers still outside, the two were afraid to leave. After a few minutes, Mohammad, who complained of feeling dizzy and was afraid he was losing too much blood, wanted to leave to find help. But when they tried to leave the center, soldiers shot the door with more rubber-coated steel bullets. His friend shouted at the soldiers, “He’s dying! You killed him!” When the soldiers allowed them to open the door and saw the blood covering Mohammad’s face, they retreated a few paces and allowed the two to leave. The two then fled on foot into the refugee camp, where they found someone with a car to take Mohammad to the hospital.
His camera, now stained with blood, remained in his hands until they reached the hospital, where his friend took photos of his condition—but only after Mohammad helped him to adjust the settings to get a proper exposure.
He was soon transferred to the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation hospital in Beit Jala, where he underwent two surgeries to remove the bullet lodged in his face. Though the bullet fractured his cheekbone, and further surgeries will be required to repair the damage, he is expected to make a full recovery without serious permanent damage.
Mohammad Al-Azza began photographing the advancing soldiers from the second-floor balcony of the Lajee Center, a children’s center near the camp entrance where he has long volunteered in the media unit. He was eager to use the center’s new camera, a Canon 600D with a 50-250mm zoom lens.
As he was photographing, one of the soldiers shouted at him in Arabic to “Go home!” Mohammad replied, “Why? I’m only taking pictures!” The soldiers continued shouting at him, “Go inside! Go inside!”
Mohammad replied, “No, I will not go! As you have a gun and shoot at children, I have a camera and I’m taking pictures—I do nothing to you!”
The soldiers, who became angrier continued threatening Mohammad with their guns. Mohammad decided to go inside, but continued taking photos through the window and through the doorway opened just wide enough for his camera lens to fit through.
By this time, a few youth from the camp were throwing stones, while the soldiers fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas grenades into the camp. However, with many arrests and shootings by Israeli forces in the camp in recent months, the response from camp residents was smaller than usual. Two children in the Aida Camp have been shot with live ammunition by Israeli forces in recent months, one of them fatally.
About 10 minutes after Mohammad had exited the balcony, a soldier with a tear gas gun shouted again at Mohammad to stop taking photos through the partially opened door. His final photo, above, shows a soldier aiming an M16 rifle outfitted for rubber bullets. As Mohammad turned to leave the doorway, this soldier fired a rubber-coated steel bullet which penetrated Mohammad’s cheek below the right eye and fractured his skull.
Despite the seriousness of his injury, Mohammad remained conscious, and a friend who was in the room with him helped him down the stairs to the center’s front door. But with the soldiers still outside, the two were afraid to leave. After a few minutes, Mohammad, who complained of feeling dizzy and was afraid he was losing too much blood, wanted to leave to find help. But when they tried to leave the center, soldiers shot the door with more rubber-coated steel bullets. His friend shouted at the soldiers, “He’s dying! You killed him!” When the soldiers allowed them to open the door and saw the blood covering Mohammad’s face, they retreated a few paces and allowed the two to leave. The two then fled on foot into the refugee camp, where they found someone with a car to take Mohammad to the hospital.
His camera, now stained with blood, remained in his hands until they reached the hospital, where his friend took photos of his condition—but only after Mohammad helped him to adjust the settings to get a proper exposure.
He was soon transferred to the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation hospital in Beit Jala, where he underwent two surgeries to remove the bullet lodged in his face. Though the bullet fractured his cheekbone, and further surgeries will be required to repair the damage, he is expected to make a full recovery without serious permanent damage.
Groups Discuss Israeli Violation with Europeans
Journalists and human rights groups discussed with members of the Middle East committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) the prisoners issue, human rights violations and the status of Palestinian journalists.
During the meeting, which was held at the Legislative Council in Ramallah, the Palestinian delegation briefed PACE members on the prisoners issue and the need to highlight their worsening conditions.
Sahar Francis, director of the Prisoners Support and Human rights Association 'Addameer', said that the prisoners' issue must be emphasized in future negotiations and "prisoners should be released as a sign of good will."
Al-Haq director, Shawan Jabarin, called for a re-evaluation of the status quo and insisted that the European Union must ban settlement products from entering European markets and pressure Israel to change its policies.
Palestinian journalists briefed PACE on Israeli violation of their right for free movement and access to information.
They spoke of Israel's policy of targeting journalists and the most recent arrest of cartoonist Muhammad Sabaaneh. They highlighted as well imprisonment of Palestinian Legislative Council members.
PACE members informed the attendees that they are currently drafting a report on the topic of administrative detention.
During the meeting, which was held at the Legislative Council in Ramallah, the Palestinian delegation briefed PACE members on the prisoners issue and the need to highlight their worsening conditions.
Sahar Francis, director of the Prisoners Support and Human rights Association 'Addameer', said that the prisoners' issue must be emphasized in future negotiations and "prisoners should be released as a sign of good will."
Al-Haq director, Shawan Jabarin, called for a re-evaluation of the status quo and insisted that the European Union must ban settlement products from entering European markets and pressure Israel to change its policies.
Palestinian journalists briefed PACE on Israeli violation of their right for free movement and access to information.
They spoke of Israel's policy of targeting journalists and the most recent arrest of cartoonist Muhammad Sabaaneh. They highlighted as well imprisonment of Palestinian Legislative Council members.
PACE members informed the attendees that they are currently drafting a report on the topic of administrative detention.
8 apr 2013
Bethlehem photographer stable after being shot in face
A photographer from Bethlehem is in a stable condition after being shot in the face by Israeli forces with a rubber-coated steel bullet on Monday, medics said.
Muhammad al-Azza, 23, was shot in Aida refugee camp while covering clashes between youths and Israeli forces. He was taken to the Arab Society Hospital in Beit Jala and underwent surgery on his face.
Medics said al-Azza, who works at the Lajee Center in Aida camp, is in a stable condition.
Palestinian Cameraman Shot In The Face In Bethlehem
Palestinian medical sources reported that a Palestinian cameraman was shot in the face, on Monday evening, by a rubber-coated metal bullet, in the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported that Mohammad Waleed Al-Azza was shot during clashes that took place between Israeli soldiers invading the camp and local youths who hurled stones at them.
PNN added that Al-Azza, who works at the Refugee Media Center in addition to freelancing for PNN and other agencies, was deliberately shot in the face by the soldiers who tried to stop him from documenting the invasion.
The soldiers tried to push him away, and when he refused to leave, one of the soldiers pointed his gun at him and shot him from a relatively close range.
Al-Azza’s medical condition was described as moderate; he was moved to the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, in Bethlehem, where he will undergo surgery.
The camp has been witnessing an extended wave of escalation since several months now, due to repeated Israeli invasions and attacks against the residents, PNN said.
Several reporters have been injured in recent clashes between the soldiers and the Palestinians in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
Muhammad al-Azza, 23, was shot in Aida refugee camp while covering clashes between youths and Israeli forces. He was taken to the Arab Society Hospital in Beit Jala and underwent surgery on his face.
Medics said al-Azza, who works at the Lajee Center in Aida camp, is in a stable condition.
Palestinian Cameraman Shot In The Face In Bethlehem
Palestinian medical sources reported that a Palestinian cameraman was shot in the face, on Monday evening, by a rubber-coated metal bullet, in the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported that Mohammad Waleed Al-Azza was shot during clashes that took place between Israeli soldiers invading the camp and local youths who hurled stones at them.
PNN added that Al-Azza, who works at the Refugee Media Center in addition to freelancing for PNN and other agencies, was deliberately shot in the face by the soldiers who tried to stop him from documenting the invasion.
The soldiers tried to push him away, and when he refused to leave, one of the soldiers pointed his gun at him and shot him from a relatively close range.
Al-Azza’s medical condition was described as moderate; he was moved to the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, in Bethlehem, where he will undergo surgery.
The camp has been witnessing an extended wave of escalation since several months now, due to repeated Israeli invasions and attacks against the residents, PNN said.
Several reporters have been injured in recent clashes between the soldiers and the Palestinians in different parts of the occupied West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem.
PA prevents family visits, arrests 5 and summons 6 of Hamas supporters
Mohamed Awad
MP Samira Halaiqa confirmed that PA security apparatuses in the West Bank refused to allow Change and Reform MPs to visit political prisoners in its jails. Halaiqa told Quds Press on Sunday that the Islamic MPs were prevented to visit political prisoners especially in Jericho prison in total violation of the Palestinian law that gives permission to MPs to check on prisoners' conditions.
Halaiqa noted that these visits came in response to the demands of prisoners' families to check on their sons’ situation especially in light of the human rights reports about torture in PA jails.
The MP stressed that ending the Palestinian political arrests is a prerequisite to end the division and achieve true reconciliation.
Meanwhile, PA security services arrested five and summoned six of Hamas supporters, and refused to release a news reporter from Ramallah.
In al-Khalil, PA security forces launched an arrest and summons campaign against Hamas supporters and cadres in Yatta town, southern of al-Khalil, targeting businessmen, liberated prisoners, doctors, and teachers.
In Ramallah, the PA Preventive Security Service failed to arrest the liberated prisoner Yousef Mashaal Barghouti, after storming and searching his house, knowing that he was released several months ago from occupation prisons.
Furthermore, PA security forces refused to release the journalist Mohamed Awad from the village of Budrus, near Ramallah, on bail of 5,000 Jordanian dinars under the pretext of being involved in another case.
MP Samira Halaiqa confirmed that PA security apparatuses in the West Bank refused to allow Change and Reform MPs to visit political prisoners in its jails. Halaiqa told Quds Press on Sunday that the Islamic MPs were prevented to visit political prisoners especially in Jericho prison in total violation of the Palestinian law that gives permission to MPs to check on prisoners' conditions.
Halaiqa noted that these visits came in response to the demands of prisoners' families to check on their sons’ situation especially in light of the human rights reports about torture in PA jails.
The MP stressed that ending the Palestinian political arrests is a prerequisite to end the division and achieve true reconciliation.
Meanwhile, PA security services arrested five and summoned six of Hamas supporters, and refused to release a news reporter from Ramallah.
In al-Khalil, PA security forces launched an arrest and summons campaign against Hamas supporters and cadres in Yatta town, southern of al-Khalil, targeting businessmen, liberated prisoners, doctors, and teachers.
In Ramallah, the PA Preventive Security Service failed to arrest the liberated prisoner Yousef Mashaal Barghouti, after storming and searching his house, knowing that he was released several months ago from occupation prisons.
Furthermore, PA security forces refused to release the journalist Mohamed Awad from the village of Budrus, near Ramallah, on bail of 5,000 Jordanian dinars under the pretext of being involved in another case.
6 apr 2013
Israeli military court sentences cartoonist to five months in jail
The Israeli military court in Salem, north of Jenin, has sentenced Palestinian cartoonist Mohammed Sabana to five months imprisonment on the charge of contacting “hostile parties”.
Family members told the PIC reporter on Saturday that the court passed the sentence on Friday and charged Sabana with making such contacts during his visit to Jordan.
They said that the charges were unfounded, adding that the sentence was illegal and proved the summary trials conducted against Palestinian citizens.
The relatives affirmed that Sabana was not involved with any political party or organization and was just an activist who employs his cartoons in exposing the Israeli occupation’s crimes.
Sabana was arrested on his return from Jordan last February and held for interrogation. His brother, Thamer, was also detained for his pro-prisoners’ activities.
Family members told the PIC reporter on Saturday that the court passed the sentence on Friday and charged Sabana with making such contacts during his visit to Jordan.
They said that the charges were unfounded, adding that the sentence was illegal and proved the summary trials conducted against Palestinian citizens.
The relatives affirmed that Sabana was not involved with any political party or organization and was just an activist who employs his cartoons in exposing the Israeli occupation’s crimes.
Sabana was arrested on his return from Jordan last February and held for interrogation. His brother, Thamer, was also detained for his pro-prisoners’ activities.
2 apr 2013
4 journalists injured, 15 others detained last month
The Government Information Office documented Israeli violations and abuses against Palestinian journalists' freedom during the month of March.
March has witnessed a serious Israeli escalation against journalists in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, where IOF targeted journalists using rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas, and prevented them violently from covering events, especially covering settlement activities, marches against the Apartheid Wall, solidarity protests with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, and most recently land Day marches, the report stated.
Four journalists were injured with live ammunition and rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Israeli forces, as 4 other journalists were attacked by IOF after storming their homes, beating them and destroying their equipment, most recently the attack on Al Jazeera crew in Sakhnin while covering Land Day marches.
The Israeli occupation forces arrested 6 reporters, while the Israeli court extended the arrest of 9 journalists, including Mohamed Saba'na for two times.
March has witnessed a serious Israeli escalation against journalists in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, where IOF targeted journalists using rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas, and prevented them violently from covering events, especially covering settlement activities, marches against the Apartheid Wall, solidarity protests with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, and most recently land Day marches, the report stated.
Four journalists were injured with live ammunition and rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Israeli forces, as 4 other journalists were attacked by IOF after storming their homes, beating them and destroying their equipment, most recently the attack on Al Jazeera crew in Sakhnin while covering Land Day marches.
The Israeli occupation forces arrested 6 reporters, while the Israeli court extended the arrest of 9 journalists, including Mohamed Saba'na for two times.
1 apr 2013
MADA Calls the President to Cancel Articles Which Allows the Imprisonment of Journalists
the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms MADA welcomed the pardon by the President Mahmoud Abbas of Al Quds TV correspondent Mamdouh Hamamrah, after the court rejected the appeal and accepted the sentence of the journalist to one year in jail, on 28th March 2013.
MADA's lawyer Sana A'ranki has worked until late night hours on Friday on his release with the presidential adviser for legal affairs Mr.Hassan Ala'oweri, who agreed to accelerate the procedures to regain Hamamrah his freedom and return to his family, and for that we are thankful.
MADA general director Mr. Mousa Rimawi said that "despite the center welcoming the president's decision to pardon our colleague Hamamrah, we call on the president to issue a presidential decree to cancel articles relating to the imprisonment of journalists in the Jordanian Penal Code enforced in the West Bank, and replacing imprisonment with a fine when journalists prosecuted on issues related to their work or expression of their opinion.
Rimawi added that "the decision to jail our colleague Hamamrah bashed media freedoms in Palestine, especially after the decline of Palestinian violations in the second half of last year, which we have indicated in our press conference about the state of media freedoms in Palestine a day before of the decision of the appeal, and we considered the decline a positive indication we hoped it would continue, since the first half of last year witnessed many prosecutions of journalists and bloggers and blocking of some media sites.
Rimawi mentioned that MADA followed Hamamrah's case since the beginning, where we reached a conviction, based on the development of the case, that it was fabricated, and it is one of the manifestations of the negative effects of internal divisions in the Palestinian arena. And we demanded repeatedly to stop pushing journalists in internal differences and end the effects of the division on the Palestinian media, especially as it was one of the most sectors adversely affected by the division.
Rimawi reassures the importance of freedom of expression to the Palestinian society, and asks officials exposed to criticism to have an open mind and heart and accept the criticism, because a person in a public office is not immune from criticism, especially by the press. In addition, the Palestinian Basic Law guarantees freedom of expression in article 19, and the study issued by the MADA in last December showed how judiciary in democratic countries is biased for the benefit of freedom of expression cases.
MADA's lawyer Sana A'ranki has worked until late night hours on Friday on his release with the presidential adviser for legal affairs Mr.Hassan Ala'oweri, who agreed to accelerate the procedures to regain Hamamrah his freedom and return to his family, and for that we are thankful.
MADA general director Mr. Mousa Rimawi said that "despite the center welcoming the president's decision to pardon our colleague Hamamrah, we call on the president to issue a presidential decree to cancel articles relating to the imprisonment of journalists in the Jordanian Penal Code enforced in the West Bank, and replacing imprisonment with a fine when journalists prosecuted on issues related to their work or expression of their opinion.
Rimawi added that "the decision to jail our colleague Hamamrah bashed media freedoms in Palestine, especially after the decline of Palestinian violations in the second half of last year, which we have indicated in our press conference about the state of media freedoms in Palestine a day before of the decision of the appeal, and we considered the decline a positive indication we hoped it would continue, since the first half of last year witnessed many prosecutions of journalists and bloggers and blocking of some media sites.
Rimawi mentioned that MADA followed Hamamrah's case since the beginning, where we reached a conviction, based on the development of the case, that it was fabricated, and it is one of the manifestations of the negative effects of internal divisions in the Palestinian arena. And we demanded repeatedly to stop pushing journalists in internal differences and end the effects of the division on the Palestinian media, especially as it was one of the most sectors adversely affected by the division.
Rimawi reassures the importance of freedom of expression to the Palestinian society, and asks officials exposed to criticism to have an open mind and heart and accept the criticism, because a person in a public office is not immune from criticism, especially by the press. In addition, the Palestinian Basic Law guarantees freedom of expression in article 19, and the study issued by the MADA in last December showed how judiciary in democratic countries is biased for the benefit of freedom of expression cases.
30 mar 2013
Bethlehem police free journalist pardoned by Abbas
Palestinian police late Friday released a journalist pardoned by President Mahmoud Abbas after a court upheld his year-long sentence for insulting the president on Facebook.
Mamdouh Hamamreh was released Friday night from a police detention center in Bethlehem a day after an appeals court upheld his sentence on charges of insulting the leadership.
Hamamreh, a correspondent for the Islamic Jihad-affiliated al-Quds satellite channel, was charged over a photo posted to Facebook juxtaposing Abbas beside a similar-looking man who played the part of a collaborator with French colonial forces in a Syrian television drama.
In Paris, a leading press rights group said Abbas' pardon of the reporter was a welcome development, but it said the case highlighted the need for reforms to Palestinian media law.
"We welcome this pardon but the fact remains that it depended on the president’s will," Reporters Without Borders said in a statement a day after Abbas pardoned Hamamreh.
"A Palestinian citizen can still be jailed for insulting President Abbas. We call for reform of the law so that news providers and ordinary citizens can no longer be sentenced to imprisonment on charges of this kind," it said.
Palestinian journalists and media watchdogs, saying Hamamreh was only "tagged" in the photo and did not create it, had already criticized the ruling and curbs on media freedom by the Palestinian Authority.
Hamamreh was the second Palestinian to be pardoned for insulting Abbas this year.
A court in the northern West Bank city of Nablus in February sentenced a local man to a year in prison for creating a picture of Abbas to make him look like a football player, and entitled it "the new striker for Real Madrid".
Anas Awad, 26, denied he had intended any offense and the president promptly pardoned him.
Mamdouh Hamamreh was released Friday night from a police detention center in Bethlehem a day after an appeals court upheld his sentence on charges of insulting the leadership.
Hamamreh, a correspondent for the Islamic Jihad-affiliated al-Quds satellite channel, was charged over a photo posted to Facebook juxtaposing Abbas beside a similar-looking man who played the part of a collaborator with French colonial forces in a Syrian television drama.
In Paris, a leading press rights group said Abbas' pardon of the reporter was a welcome development, but it said the case highlighted the need for reforms to Palestinian media law.
"We welcome this pardon but the fact remains that it depended on the president’s will," Reporters Without Borders said in a statement a day after Abbas pardoned Hamamreh.
"A Palestinian citizen can still be jailed for insulting President Abbas. We call for reform of the law so that news providers and ordinary citizens can no longer be sentenced to imprisonment on charges of this kind," it said.
Palestinian journalists and media watchdogs, saying Hamamreh was only "tagged" in the photo and did not create it, had already criticized the ruling and curbs on media freedom by the Palestinian Authority.
Hamamreh was the second Palestinian to be pardoned for insulting Abbas this year.
A court in the northern West Bank city of Nablus in February sentenced a local man to a year in prison for creating a picture of Abbas to make him look like a football player, and entitled it "the new striker for Real Madrid".
Anas Awad, 26, denied he had intended any offense and the president promptly pardoned him.
29 mar 2013
Six Injured, Reporter Kidnapped, By The Army In Jerusalem
Palestinian medical sources reported that six Palestinians, including an elderly man, have been injured, and one reporter has been kidnapped, after Israeli soldiers attacked Muslim worshipers who tried to enter the Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, to participate on Friday prayers.
The Maan News Agency reported that the Israeli army and police prevented Palestinian men who are 48 years old or less from entering the mosque.
Medical sources reported that resident Jamal Kabajna, 54, suffered various cuts and bruises in his head, while his son Mohammad, 18, suffered various cuts and bruises in addition to fractures in his left arm and right leg; both were moved to a local Palestinian hospital.
Also, resident Mahmoud Abed Abu Nee’, 81, suffered a fracture in his foot and a fracture in his pelvis after a number of soldiers pushed him around and threw him onto the ground.
Three more Palestinians were injured after Israeli policemen attacked them with batons near one of the gates of the Al-Aqsa mosque.
Waleed Feerawy, a medic working for the Palestinian Medical Relief, stated that three Palestinians have been injured after being violently attacked by the police, and that one of them lost a finger after a police barrier fell on his hand.
Another Palestinian suffered a dislocated knee after being beaten by the army, while another resident was injured in his chest; all were hospitalized for treatment.
Furthermore, a cameraman identified as Mohammad Al-Fateh Abu Sneina, 22, was kidnaped and was moved to an interrogation facility.
Dozens of Policemen have been deployed in different parts of occupied Jerusalem, especially the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque area, stopped and interrogated dozens of Palestinian youths while inspecting their ID cards, and prevented all Palestinian below the age of 50 from entering the mosque.
Thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayers in the streets of the Old City, especially near Bab Al-Amoud, Wad Al-Joz, and several other areas, and took pictures of dozens of residents.
The Maan News Agency reported that the Israeli army and police prevented Palestinian men who are 48 years old or less from entering the mosque.
Medical sources reported that resident Jamal Kabajna, 54, suffered various cuts and bruises in his head, while his son Mohammad, 18, suffered various cuts and bruises in addition to fractures in his left arm and right leg; both were moved to a local Palestinian hospital.
Also, resident Mahmoud Abed Abu Nee’, 81, suffered a fracture in his foot and a fracture in his pelvis after a number of soldiers pushed him around and threw him onto the ground.
Three more Palestinians were injured after Israeli policemen attacked them with batons near one of the gates of the Al-Aqsa mosque.
Waleed Feerawy, a medic working for the Palestinian Medical Relief, stated that three Palestinians have been injured after being violently attacked by the police, and that one of them lost a finger after a police barrier fell on his hand.
Another Palestinian suffered a dislocated knee after being beaten by the army, while another resident was injured in his chest; all were hospitalized for treatment.
Furthermore, a cameraman identified as Mohammad Al-Fateh Abu Sneina, 22, was kidnaped and was moved to an interrogation facility.
Dozens of Policemen have been deployed in different parts of occupied Jerusalem, especially the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque area, stopped and interrogated dozens of Palestinian youths while inspecting their ID cards, and prevented all Palestinian below the age of 50 from entering the mosque.
Thousands of Palestinians performed Friday prayers in the streets of the Old City, especially near Bab Al-Amoud, Wad Al-Joz, and several other areas, and took pictures of dozens of residents.
Journalist sentenced to a year imprisonment for "insulting" Abbas
PA court in Bethlehem sentenced on Thursday al-Quds satellite channel's reporter Mamdouh Hamamreh, 28, for a year on charges of insulting PA president Mahmoud Abbas.
Mamdouh's father confirmed that his son was sentenced for a whole year, expressing his shock over "the court's unfair decision", stressing that his son is practicing his work as a journalist professionally.
Hamamra added that his son Mamdouh did not commit any offense, where he was arrested by the PA Intelligence in Bethlehem for 53 days for allegedly insulting President Mahmoud Abbas on the former's Facebook page.
The father called on the human rights and press institutions to intervene to release his son and to stop implementing the court's decision.
For her part, MADA's lawyer Sana Arinke expressed her concern following the court's decision, stressing that it is a political decision par excellence.
Mamdouh's father confirmed that his son was sentenced for a whole year, expressing his shock over "the court's unfair decision", stressing that his son is practicing his work as a journalist professionally.
Hamamra added that his son Mamdouh did not commit any offense, where he was arrested by the PA Intelligence in Bethlehem for 53 days for allegedly insulting President Mahmoud Abbas on the former's Facebook page.
The father called on the human rights and press institutions to intervene to release his son and to stop implementing the court's decision.
For her part, MADA's lawyer Sana Arinke expressed her concern following the court's decision, stressing that it is a political decision par excellence.
27 mar 2013
Israeli court extends detention of Palestinian journalist
The Israeli military court in Ofer on Wednesday extended the remand of Palestinian journalist Musab Abu Shawer until the next trial hearing scheduled on 7/5/2013.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, said that journalist, who is a prisoners’ activist, was arrested from his home on 25/2/2013.
He said that Musab, who works with Al-Khalil radio station, attended many hearings but they were always adjourned.
Khafsh said that the Israeli occupation forces arrested four Palestinian journalists in the months of February and March.
Media forum: Occupation detains 14 Palestinian journalists
Palestinian media forum confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces are still detaining 14 Palestinian journalists, including six arrested during this year. The Forum said in a statement on Wednesday that the Israeli forces have continued their attacks against Palestinian journalists, the last of which took place last Sunday when they detained journalist Abdul Aziz Nofal, while preparing a report on settlement in Tel Rumeida in the center of al-Khalil, and held him for several hours before releasing him.
The statement stressed that the occupation authorities are pursuing a systematic policy in targeting press crews and preventing them from performing their job, especially during the coverage of the occupation and the settlers' crimes.
Palestinian media forum expressed surprise at the ongoing silence of international organizations concerned with the affairs of journalists, such as the International Federation of Journalists and Reporters without Borders, regarding Israeli crimes against Palestinian journalists.
It considered that being silent means taking part of the responsibility for the attack on the Palestinian journalists, and stressed that it is time to start prosecuting the Israeli government before International Courts for its open war against the Palestinian journalists and the freedom of speech.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, said that journalist, who is a prisoners’ activist, was arrested from his home on 25/2/2013.
He said that Musab, who works with Al-Khalil radio station, attended many hearings but they were always adjourned.
Khafsh said that the Israeli occupation forces arrested four Palestinian journalists in the months of February and March.
Media forum: Occupation detains 14 Palestinian journalists
Palestinian media forum confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces are still detaining 14 Palestinian journalists, including six arrested during this year. The Forum said in a statement on Wednesday that the Israeli forces have continued their attacks against Palestinian journalists, the last of which took place last Sunday when they detained journalist Abdul Aziz Nofal, while preparing a report on settlement in Tel Rumeida in the center of al-Khalil, and held him for several hours before releasing him.
The statement stressed that the occupation authorities are pursuing a systematic policy in targeting press crews and preventing them from performing their job, especially during the coverage of the occupation and the settlers' crimes.
Palestinian media forum expressed surprise at the ongoing silence of international organizations concerned with the affairs of journalists, such as the International Federation of Journalists and Reporters without Borders, regarding Israeli crimes against Palestinian journalists.
It considered that being silent means taking part of the responsibility for the attack on the Palestinian journalists, and stressed that it is time to start prosecuting the Israeli government before International Courts for its open war against the Palestinian journalists and the freedom of speech.
Journalists detained in Hebron, two civilians abducted by Israeli troops
Journalists detained in Hebron
On the afternoon of the 24th March, two Palestinian Al Jazeera journalists arrived into Hebron to interview a Palestinian family living near the illegal Israeli settlement in the area of Tel Rumeida. When they arrived, settlers called the Israeli military and police, who arrived and confiscated the journalists’ ID cards, despite having seen their press credentials.
The Al Jazeera reporters had their ID cards returned after around an hour, but two Palestinians from Hebron who attempted to intervene on their behalf with police were abducted and removed in a police car. Their status is currently unknown and no reason was given for their detention.
After the journalists were apprehended, police and settlers arrived into the area with rolls of barbed wire, informing another Palestinian resident that his primary access to the main road would be closed. Hashem Azzeh and his family live underneath the Tel Rumeida settlement, with their access to the main road running directly next to the settlement. This path has been repeatedly closed by the Israeli authorities since 2000, and was only opened most recently in late 2012 after extensive legal battles in the Israeli courts.
The police and settlers claimed that the path would be closed from now on, because ‘unapproved people’ had been walking along it. According to the Israeli authorities, only Hashem, his family and guests walking with them have permission to use the path. Hashem states that he has no knowledge of strangers using this route to access his house.
Without the path, Hashem and his family have to travel a much longer, rock-strewn and hazardous route to leave their home. Hashem said today, “I think they will close my access now, they will say it is for security reasons.”
He thinks that the settlers used the arrival of the journalists and the subsequent confusion as a pretext to close his path and restrict his family’s movement, in further attempts to drive them from their home – they already face regular hassle from Israeli authorities and attacks from the settlers, including on Hashem’s young children.
On the afternoon of the 24th March, two Palestinian Al Jazeera journalists arrived into Hebron to interview a Palestinian family living near the illegal Israeli settlement in the area of Tel Rumeida. When they arrived, settlers called the Israeli military and police, who arrived and confiscated the journalists’ ID cards, despite having seen their press credentials.
The Al Jazeera reporters had their ID cards returned after around an hour, but two Palestinians from Hebron who attempted to intervene on their behalf with police were abducted and removed in a police car. Their status is currently unknown and no reason was given for their detention.
After the journalists were apprehended, police and settlers arrived into the area with rolls of barbed wire, informing another Palestinian resident that his primary access to the main road would be closed. Hashem Azzeh and his family live underneath the Tel Rumeida settlement, with their access to the main road running directly next to the settlement. This path has been repeatedly closed by the Israeli authorities since 2000, and was only opened most recently in late 2012 after extensive legal battles in the Israeli courts.
The police and settlers claimed that the path would be closed from now on, because ‘unapproved people’ had been walking along it. According to the Israeli authorities, only Hashem, his family and guests walking with them have permission to use the path. Hashem states that he has no knowledge of strangers using this route to access his house.
Without the path, Hashem and his family have to travel a much longer, rock-strewn and hazardous route to leave their home. Hashem said today, “I think they will close my access now, they will say it is for security reasons.”
He thinks that the settlers used the arrival of the journalists and the subsequent confusion as a pretext to close his path and restrict his family’s movement, in further attempts to drive them from their home – they already face regular hassle from Israeli authorities and attacks from the settlers, including on Hashem’s young children.
26 mar 2013
Ahrar Center calls for the release of journalist Walid Khaled
Khuffash
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights called on the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Reporters Without Borders Organization, and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately to check on the health and detention conditions of the prisoner journalist Walid Khaled.
The prisoner Walid Khaled, 41, from the town of Sakaka south of Salfit, was arrested on March 10, 2013 where he was prevented from meeting his lawyer since that time, Fuad al-Khuffash, the director of the center, stated, expressing his worries with regard to the prisoner's health condition especially with the Israeli blackout on his situation.
Khuffash pointed out that Walid Khaled is a father of two children, he was arrested only 6 months after his release from the Israeli jails where he spent 18 months.
Walid Khaled is a Palestinian writer and journalist, he has previously served as editor of Palestine newspaper in the West Bank.
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights revealed that the Israeli occupation has arrested 3 Palestinian journalists during March.
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights called on the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Reporters Without Borders Organization, and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately to check on the health and detention conditions of the prisoner journalist Walid Khaled.
The prisoner Walid Khaled, 41, from the town of Sakaka south of Salfit, was arrested on March 10, 2013 where he was prevented from meeting his lawyer since that time, Fuad al-Khuffash, the director of the center, stated, expressing his worries with regard to the prisoner's health condition especially with the Israeli blackout on his situation.
Khuffash pointed out that Walid Khaled is a father of two children, he was arrested only 6 months after his release from the Israeli jails where he spent 18 months.
Walid Khaled is a Palestinian writer and journalist, he has previously served as editor of Palestine newspaper in the West Bank.
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights revealed that the Israeli occupation has arrested 3 Palestinian journalists during March.