The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the Hamas Government in Gaza of intimidating journalists after a Gaza -based member of the Palestinian Journalists' syndicate (PJS), Yousef al Ostaz was called in for questioning over his activities in the union.

"This is an outrageous interference in media affairs which must stop immediately," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The Hamas authorities have no business to investigate the role of an elected leader's work for his union. This reckless behavior risks disrupting the important work the union is engaged in to unite journalists in the West Bank and Gaza."

According to the PJS, the Hamas authorities in Gaza have launched an investigation in the activities of Ostaz in the syndicat. Ostaz, who was elected on the PJS board in the congress held in February 2010, has been questioned twice in three days, says the PJS.

The IFJ says this Hamas Government's investigation is the latest in a long list of measures which undermine the development of independent and professional media in Gaza, including the IFJ efforts to build solidarity between journalists in Gaza and the West Bank.

Last September, Hamas stopped the streaming in Gaza by video link of a conference which was taking place in Ramallah during the visit of IFJ delegation led by the Federation's President, Jim Boumelha.

"This so called investigation is another attempt to frustrate the creation of an environment which is conducive to professional journalism in Palestine," added White. "We are determined to stand by our colleagues in Gaza who have to endure the Hamas oppressive regime."

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

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 members in 125 countries