he International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called on all sides in the Middle East conflict to halt attacks on journalists and media following new reports of injuries to reporters on the spot.
"As violence intensifies it is clear that media are coming under fire from all sides," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.
IFJ said that, last week, Israel attacked the Hezbollah television station Al-Manar and three journalists working for the Lebanese satellite television channel New TV were seriously wounded when their car was struck during Israel's bombardment of the al-Mahmoudiyeh Bridge in southern Lebanon.
"We do not endorse or support the views of any particular media organisation, but we do insist that all media should be treated as non-combatants," said White.
IFJ added that journalists in the region are also facing obstructions when they try to cover the conflict.
"The obstruction, intimidation and violence against media make it impossible for journalists to work safely and freely," said White.
Walid Al Omari, Al Jazeera Bureau Chief, was released yesterday after was held by Israeli Security without explanation.
Reporters Without Borders hailed the release of Al-Jazeera bureau chief Walid Al-Omari on bail but reiterated its appeal to the Israeli authorities to stop harassing the Qatar-based TV news station's journalists and called on the judicial authorities to drop all charges against Omari.
In a phone call with his editors following his release, Omari said: "It is clear that certain parties want to obstruct Al-Jazeera's coverage of events." Al-Jazeera stressed that Omari's release was subject to payment of bail.
Omari was arrested by Israeli police for the second time in two days on the morning of 17 July while covering the armed clashes taking place in the Akka region of northern Israel, near the Lebanese border.
0 Have Your Say!:
Post a Comment