On 16 May 1996, Palestinian journalists Mu’aness Abu-Shilbayeh and Ussama `Aareff, respectively the soundman and cameraman for the Saudi television station MBC, were arrested as they were attempting to enter Israel from Al-Ram. The journalists were told that they did not have the proper credentials for working in Israel. Several hours later, `Aareff was released […]
On 16 May 1996, Palestinian journalists Mu’aness Abu-Shilbayeh
and Ussama `Aareff, respectively the soundman and cameraman for
the Saudi television station MBC, were arrested as they were
attempting to enter Israel from Al-Ram. The journalists were told
that they did not have the proper credentials for working in
Israel. Several hours later, `Aareff was released because he was
carrying an Israeli identification card. Abu-Shilbayeh was
detained for 48 hours even though he had been accredited by the
Israeli Government Press Office, which therefore entitled him to
cover the upcoming elections in Israel on 29 May. The two had not
been informed of the cancellation of permits granted to
journalists for covering the elections.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Shilbayeh and Ussama `Aareff, even though they had been
accredited the week before by the Government Press Office
prevent until 19 May Palestinian journalists from entering
Israeli territory
Appeals To
His Excellency Shimon Peres
Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
Jerusalem, Israel
Fax: +872 3 691 7915 or +972 2 664 838
Uri Dromi
Director
Government Press Office
Jerusalem, Israel
Fax: +972 2 244 448/+972 2 233 386
Copies to:
Israeli Television
Fax: +972 2 301 452
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
