26 January 2009
IFJ Refutes Claim of Bias and Calls on Hamas to Protect Journalists
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today strongly rebutted claims from political leaders in Gaza that it was biased in its claims of Hamas interference and intimidation of journalists.
In a statement issued yesterday, Hamas accused the IFJ of "baseless statements" and "unacceptable partiality" following its comments after a two-day mission of international journalists' leaders to Gaza last week.
"Hamas is completely wrong to say that we do not criticise all sides in this conflict," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "An examination of our statements both recently and going back years shows that we are consistent in our condemnation of all sides. Israel, the Palestine Authority and Hamas - whoever puts journalists under pressure is in our sights. We have nothing to apologise for."
As recently as October 31 the IFJ publicly criticised both Hamas and The Palestine Authority for detention and intimidation of journalists claiming that these actions were "little more than a device for intimidation, media control and political in-fighting."
The IFJ also today called for Hamas to provide security and protection for all journalists working in Gaza, including those independent journalists who have represented journalists in the Palestine Journalists Syndicate.
"We want Hamas to know that we hold them responsible for the safety and security of journalists, particularly when we are aware that individuals have been subject to threats and intimidation," said White.
The international mission to Gaza last week led by the IFJ and the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) decided to support a detailed investigation to determine whether Israel has violated international law, including Security Council Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists in armed conflict and concluded that "All sides must take their hands off the media and allow journalists to work freely without any form of intimidation."
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represent over 600.000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide
Comments :
Edwards
29 January 2009 at 11:45
IFJ is rather timid in its response to Israel compared with its unequivocal condemnation of Hamas. Israel barred journalists from Gaza and bombed a building hosting media facilities, and yet all IFJ can do is to support an investigation to see whether Israel violated international law! What about condeming the actions in a forthright and unambiguous manner?
If you don't see one of your comments, that means that it is not moderated yet or it has been rejected.
Add a comment :
On {SITE_NAME}, you can share your opinion on all of our news.
This section is moderated. The texts will be published after editor approval. {SITE_NAME} reserves the right to reject any comment at any time.