Ramallah - 11.11.2013 : the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) is demanding  the immediate release of the Director of Radio Bethlehem 2000  journalist George Qanawati , who was arrested by the police from his home yesterday evening , 11/10/2013 .

Radio Bethlehem 2000 correspondent Arica Zidan who had been present at his home during the arrest process, told MADA that ten policemen , detectives and intelligence came to his house about 9:00 pm yesterday evening, and they had a search warrant and arrest . Zidan added : "they have dealt in an inappropriate manner, pushed his mother on the ground, 7 of them aatacked him handcuffed his hands and arrested him ."

Zidan  said  she saw him this morning in front of the Public Prosecutor office  and he her that he was beaten during the interrogation,  she noticed a blue sign under the eye .  she confirmed that his lawyer was prevented from attending the interrogation session with him by the Public Prosecutor in the city of Bethlehem until this moment (11:00) am in the morning.

The arrest of colleague Qanawati and beating him constitutes a serious violation of media freedoms and condemned action , and we reiterate our demand for his immediate release and respect for freedom of expression in Palestine.