IFJ Accuses Hamas of violating press freedom

Tuesday July 31, 2007 17:26 by George Rishmawi - IMEMC News

The International Federation of Journalists on Tuesday accused the Islamic Resistance movement (Hamas) of "flagrant violation of press freedom" after militants seized Palestinian newspapers.

Palestinian Journalists Syndicate organized a protest which condemned the seizure near the Beit Hanoun crossing of the Palestinian newspapers including copies of al –Quds, al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadeeda.

The IFJ joined the protests of the Palestinian journalists and saying that what Hamas did contradicts democracy.

"The seizure of newspapers by political activists is a flagrant violation of journalists rights and press freedom," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It flies in the face of respect for democracy which Hamas tries to present to the outside world."

The IFJ supported the comments of Naim Toubassi, President of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and a member of the IFJ Executive Committee who said the action aggravates the already difficult situation in the region.

"The political crisis is made worse when violence and censorship replaces the peoples' right to know," said White. "This is the latest example of intimidation and pressure on journalism."

The IFJ says that since the Hamas takeover of Gaza there has been targeting of media and journalists, the offices of the Syndicate have been raided and some journalists have had to flee for their lives. Nevertheless, the IFJ is supporting efforts to strengthen the rights of journalists in the area and has launched a programme of work to help the Syndicate develop its activities.

"It's time for the Hamas leadership to end this pressure on journalists and to return to some version of pluralism and respect for free expression that will allow space for peace and reconciliation among Palestinians," said White.

The IFJ represents 500,000 journalists in 120 countries around the world.

This article is sourced from the IFJ Website.

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