The study was prepared by journalist and researcher Mahmoud Alfataftah.
(MADA/IFEX) – 30 August 2010 – A new study pointed to the need for Palestinian journalists to be more brave and courageous to break all forms of self-censorship.
The study, entitled “The impact of violations on self-censorship among Palestinian media workers”, was prepared by journalist and researcher Mahmoud Alfataftah for the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA). It notes that there are several forms of censorship among the media sector, but the most dangerous of these is self-censorship, which is exercised by media outlets or journalists on themselves.
The study pointed out that after its occupation of the Palestinian territories, Israel has sought to impose severe restrictions on freedom of expression, through laws and military orders that control Palestinians’ lives and restrict their freedoms. In its control over Palestinian media, Israel adopted a number of different legislations, such as the Jordanian law, the law of publications, and Ottoman laws, as well as the British Defense (Emergency) law in 1945, in addition to its laws and military orders.
According to the study by Alfataftah, the greatest censorship on media in Palestine are due to: the Israeli occupation, the Palestinian political system through its forces and security services – especially after the internal division that resulted from the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007, the community including its traditions and customs, laws and some restrictive legislation, and the capital and its effects.
Commenting on the future, the study showed that the “censorship” word no longer raises fears and sensitivities as before in light of the traditional media. There are a lot of journalists, especially those working in electronic media, who relish in challenging censorship and overcome these challenges.
