The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on media covering the conflict in Western Sahara to ensure higher standards of information accuracy after Spanish media published a photograph purporting to show Sahrawi children, victims of recent violence in Laayoune. In fact, the photograph was taken at a medical centre in Gaza in January 2006.

"We welcome the speedy apology from Spanish media for publishing the false photograph," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "But the incident has put journalists on notice against risks of misinformation about the crisis in Western Sahara. The situation calls for greater care in checking sources of information."

The publication of the photograph, showing wounded children being treated in a hospital caused controversy and was roundly condemned in Morocco, including by the Syndicat national de la presse marocaine (SNPM), an IFJ affiliate. According to reports, the Spanish news agency, EFE, received the photograph from an organisation with links to Polisario front and published it in good faith.  The photo was then picked up by other Spanish news media, including El Pais, ABC, El Mundo and La Vanguardia. As soon as the error was pointed out they withdrew the photo and issued an apology.

"This illustrates the dangers of media relying on one source especially when that source is a party to the conflict and the information cannot be independently verified," said White.

The SNPM also revealed another fake photograph of the site of an alleged massacre in Western Sahara which was shown on Spanish Television, Antena 3. It turned out the photograph was first published ten months ago in a Moroccan newspaper, Al Ahdat ,  on 28 January , describing a crime scene  in Casablanca, according to the SNPM.

The IFJ says publication of false information can potentially erode the public trust in media and impact on its credibility. The Federation also calls for lifting of all restrictions on media in West Sahara so that journalists are able to access and verify their information independently.

Media reports say that the Moroccan authorities have withdrawn the accreditation of Spanish correspondent of ABC newspaper, Luis de Vega, accusing him of "incitement to hostility towards Morocco" and "conducting political activity". Three other Spanish journalists were also expelled from Morocco last week for "false information about their identities and jobs". 

The IFJ backs the call made by SNPM and the Federation of Journalists' Associations in Spain (FAPE), IFJ affiliate, for the reinstatement of Luis de Vega's accreditation and an end to expulsion orders against foreign reporters.

"Media freedom and professional ethics are crucial in providing reliable information," added White. "The current crisis in Sahara requires nothing less."

 For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 members in 125 countries