“SHAMS” Center strongly condemns the continued targeting of Palestinian journalists by the occupation forces. The occupying forces continued to commit abuses against journalists primarily represented in the killing, physical assaults and injuries, the arrest of a number of journalists, the prevention of movement and travel, the confiscation or destruction of equipment, hacking of websites or interference, the use of journalists as human shields and the closure of media institutions. The Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on Palestinian journalists are considered having the most serious and harmful impact on media outlets and journalists and their ability to carry on their work and assume their professional duties. This exposes the unofficial Israeli attempts to keep the journalists and media outlets from the events in order to cover up their crimes. Centre is calling for the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, The International Federation of Journalists, and the international & regional relevant organizations to necessarily take action to put an end to attacks on journalists and protect them. In addition to intervene to bind Israel, the occupying Power to respect The Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and to comply with its provisions fully and immediately. In 2018, the Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists totaled 584 violations, which resulted in a rise in the rates of attacks on journalists and media freedoms.
“SHAMS” Center is seriously concerned about the continuing instances of summons, threats, arrest and intimidation against journalists in the Palestinian territories, making it clear that fear machine is running at full capacity in an effort to undermine freedom of Press and intimidate journalists. “SHAMS” Center Calls upon not to push journalists into political squabbling, to cease such practices and abolish legislation that allows them to be prosecuted. “SHAMS” Center also condemns the attacks carried out by the Palestinian security apparatuses against journalists on the basis of assuming their tasks and covering movements and peaceful gatherings, and subjecting them to physical attacks. The center also condemns applying the continued legislative gaps that allow the prosecution of journalists in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and escalating that by enacting new laws & regulations that are in contrary to the Freedom of opinion and expression, which resulted in the ongoing tribunals of some journalists on the basis of expressing their opinions and using social networking applications and platforms.
“SHAMS” Center reminds that the importance of World Press Freedom Day is represented in the fact that it is a warning to governments and reminder that freedom of the press shall be respected. It is an occasion to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while undertaking their duties and an opportunity to assess and celebrate freedom of the press. And that freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of the press are part of the human rights system in which no exceptions to the breach exist for any reason, which is an indicator, measure, entry and mirror of the other rights and freedoms. Violation of this right entails prosecution and accountability due its significance.
“SHAMS” Center pays tribute to all journalist, media professionals and bloggers who championed their career and defend the concerns of their people honestly and faithfully. The center also salutes Palestinian and foreigner journalists, various news agencies as well as Arab and foreign satellite channels. Palestinian journalists the truth carriers, who expose the Israeli against the Palestinian people. Who have been able to deliver the message professionally, and who has portrayed the real images effectively and immensely. Today one of the most important bets to us is represented in the sympathy among the general public for us and standing by our side.
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