MADA delegation visited wounded journalist Mohamed Othman
19/5/2011 - Gaza-
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) yesterday sent a delegation to visit wounded journalist Mohamed Othman in al-Wafaa hospital, east of Gaza City.
The delegation was received by members of the journalist's family and friends, with representatives wishing Othman a speedy recovery and publicly denouncing the targeting of journalists by Israeli Occupation Forces. Othman was wounded by Israeli military fire on 15 May 2011 while covering a peaceful march commemorating the 63rd anniversary of al-Nakba, near the Beit Hanoun “Erez" border crossing in northern Gaza
Strip.
The delegation included MADA’s Gaza coordinator and legal counsel lawyer Dr. Ahmed Hammad and Karem Nashwan, respectively. Hammad confirmed the strength of the relationship between MADA and various media outlets, and praised the ethics and professional dedication of Mohammed Osman, whose images was distributed widely.
Hammad confirmed that the targeting of media staff and journalists by Israeli Occupation Forces is a criminal act for which should be held accountable, and reiterated the right - held by all journalists - to cover events without hindrance.
Hammad concluded by calling for pressure on Israeli forces to end their campaign of aggression against
journalists.
Karem Nashwan stated that the case of Othman stood as a clear example of the Israeli military’s intention to suppress images and information illustrating their crimes on a global stage. Nashwan urged international
institutions to provideurgent protection for journalists and Palestinian media outlets.
