Four journalists attacked and two protesters injured in peaceful protest near Bethlehem

Friday December 07, 2007 16:11 by Najeeb Farraj - IMEMC News

At this week's anti-wall protest in al Ma'sarah village, south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the Israeli army attacked journalists who were reporting the event.

Among those attacked were two Palestinian journalists, Mousa al Shaere and Naser Sheukhi, who were working for the Associated press and French press, respectively.

Two other journalists were arrested at the demonstration. They were identified as Iyad Hamad of the Associated Press and Mohammad Abu Ghaneyah of Reuters. Both were transferred to the Israeli police headquarters in the near by settlement bloc of Gush Atzion, where they were released shortly after.

Local witnesses reported the two were beaten harshly by the Israeli soilders prior to their arrest.

The protesters, which included both local residents and International peace activists, took to the streets of the village on Friday. They carried with them flags and banners denouncing the construction of the separation wall on Palestinian land in southern Bethlehem.When they reached the construction site the protesters were attacked by soldiers wielding batons and rifles. Two protesters were injured, and two internationals were detained.

Translated by Manar Jibrin-IMEMC News

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