Albawaba.com
Amman
The Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) has said that it is “gravely concerned over the extended violence against Palestinian journalists during clashes and demonstrations that erupted in Palestinian territories” over the past days.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the center said that Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists reflects the Israeli position which is in severe conflict with principles of democracy and respect for human rights, and violates treaties and international agreements to which Israel is a signatory.
Citing various reports from media and independent sources, CDFJ said that a number of journalists have been beaten up as well as being exposed to live fire from Israeli army forces while carrying out their duties covering clashes and violence throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
Some of news coverage that Palestinian journalists have done exposed inhuman and violent practices by the Israeli forces such as the deliberate shooting of the 12-years old Mohamed al Durra in his father's arms, according to the center.
Reports coming out from Palestinian territories have said that four
Palestinian journalists have been severely beaten up and physically
assaulted in the Aqsa Mosque in the first day of the Palestinian uprising, added the statement.
The statement named them as Kahled Abu Aker, who works for the French Channel II, the same channel that broadcast footage of young Durra, Awad Awad, who works for Agence France Presse, Mahfouz Abu Turk and journalist Khaled Zighari who has been reported to be taken to hospital after he was shot by live ammunition.
In the third day, both Amer Ja'abari and Mazin D'ana were seriously injured. Ja'abari has been reported shot by a bullet in the head. There have been no reports about the nature and conditions of journalists Wa'el Shiokhi and Wafeek Matar, who have been also injured during the clashes, said the center.
CDFJ notes that the extension of violence against Palestinian journalists by Israeli arm forces has become a critical phenomenon that should be stopped. In September 1996, and during the clashes over the opening of the tunnel under the Aqsa Mosque, the same kind of violence against Palestinian journalists carrying out their work has been significantly reported.
”CDFJ has called on all human rights organizations throughout the world to condemn Israeli forces practices against Palestinian people and called for a large campaign in solidarity with Palestinian journalists. The Center has also asked international media to focus on exposing the current situation in Palestinian,” concluded the statement.
The Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists is a non-profit NGO that aims at defending and protecting journalists' freedom and rights. The Center is based in Amman, Jordan – Albawaba.com
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