MADA delegation visits wounded French journalist Hoby and condemns the Israeli assault against him
French journalist Chris Huby in Ramallah Hospital
Ramallah – 25 September 2011: A delegation from the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) - center director Mousa Rimawi and Public Relation Officer Riham Abu Aita – today visited wounded French journalist Chris Huby (36 years) in Ramallah Hospital to check his health and provide moral support.
Huby told MADA that he went to cover events of the Nabi Saleh march, north-west of Ramallah, on Friday 23 September 2011. Hoby was standing approximately 50-60 meters from the occupation forces when a soldier threw a metal grenade (a new type of weapon according to one of the Palestinian activists) to the ground beside him, causing severe contusions on his right leg. Hoby received immediate triage treatment at the scene before being transferred to hospital by ambulance.
MADA general director Moussa Rimawi said that Hoby was yet another victim of repeated Israeli attacks against journalists, which constitute a major threat to their lives and work. Israeli occupation forces continue to suppress the peaceful marches in various cities, town and villages accross the West Bank, and target journalists in an attempt to prevent them from capturing their violent reactions to unarmed demonstrators. Rimawi stressed the importance of immediate intervention by the international community to protect demonstrators and journalists in the region.
MADA center wishes the speedy recovery of the journalist Chris Huby, who will return to France today to complete his treatment, and reaiterates its stong condemnation of the Israeli assault upon him, which constitutes a flagrant violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression.
