Palestinian Authority’s security forces have allegedly attacked Washington Post’s West Bank correspondent Sufian Taha and photojournalist Salwan Georges, the Foreign Press Association’s statement says as quoted by Fox News.
According to the statement, Taha and Georges were harassed by the authorities while attending Saturday’s demonstration on Ramallah’s Manara Square against the PA’s handling of government critic Nizar Banat, who died in June while in the custody of the Palestinian police.
As they were breaking up the protest, a Palestinian policeman grabbed Georges who he was taking pictures of the arrests, seized his camera and tore his press badge while holding his neck despite Georges pointing that he was with the international media.
Georges’ camera was in Palestinian police hold for over an hour and returned to him after seven of the photos were deleted along with warning they’d be in big trouble if any photos of the policemen were published.
The WaPo spokesperson issued statement saying they deplore the actions taken by PA security forces’ members against their journalists and expressed gratitude they’re now safe while The Foreign Press Association condemned Palestinians’ egregious acts, calling for the PA to sanction the officers involved in the incident and to stand behind its promises to respect the freedom of the press.
Be the first to comment