Ramallah, 31 March 2011: Despite the promises of the Minister of Interior in Hamas government Mr. Fathi Hamad to halt all attacks against journalists last week, group of journalists subjected attacks yesterday 30 March 2011, while their coverage to the march on the occasion of the “Land Day". This situation increases the concerns about Freedom of expression in Gaza Strip, where a lot of violations committed against journalists during this month.
The correspondent of WAFA agency Wajeh Al-Najar told MADA that the police of the Hamas government attacked and dispersed the people in Aljundi Almajhoul yard, in the pretext of not having a permit to the march. The police also detained him for 7 hours, then they released him after signing a pledge to not cover any “unliscened" march.
Al-Arabia Chanel correspondent Wissam Yasin also was attacked by the police personnel, after her refusal to leave Aljundi Almajhoul area. One of the police men broke her mobile while she was covering a march started from Alazhar University to Palestine yard.
The journalist Iyad Taha who’s working with Sawt Alwatan radio said that he was beaten with batons by a group of people in civilian and military clothes in Alsaraya area. One of them sprayed a strange thing on his face. Later he knew that this yellow powder influence on the nerves and affect the cognition. Taha lost his concentration and had difficulties in breathe, where his colleague Muhamad Alhasomi helped him and took him to the hospital.
Alhasomi –who worked in Alhuriyeh center for media – reported that he was in the march near Al-Quds Open University., Hamas security services attacked the protesters and the journalists who were located to cover the march’s event, and beat them severely by batons. He added that they caused him a bruises on his back, shoulder, and left hand.
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) condemns once again the new attacks against journalists, which stands as flagrant violation of freedom of expression. MADA calls for halt all violations, and the formation of an investigation committee to look into these attacks and violations whereby all responsible parties be held accountable for their actions.
-------- Contact Riham Abu Aita Public Relation Officer riham@madacenter.org www.madacenter.org
