Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA)

Media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories suffered a setback in June 2012, due to Israel’s continued policy of targeting journalists.

The Israeli Forces have pursued a policy of silencing the Palestinian press in its efforts to show the bitter reality of living under the continuing violations committed by the occupation forces, says MADA.

Mohammed Jaradat was covering a protest against the planned meeting between Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz and the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israeli occupation forces suppressed journalists covering events organised to show solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, among them five journalists, four of whom are under administrative detention.

Frank La Rue, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, noted that states continue to use criminal laws on defamation, national security and counterterrorism to suppress dissent.

Najib Farraj’s office was ransacked on the night of 14 June, in a clear threat against him and his work.

Over 80 groups around the world call on the authorities to free human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers and writers, some of whom have been detained incommunicado; and request help from UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

George Canawati has faced trial since 3 October 2011 following charges filed by Bethlehem’s Governor Abelfatah Hamayel after he published a note critical of Bethlehem’s Health Directorate on his Facebook page.