Press watchdog accuses Israel of escalating curbs against journalists
Cases include Palestinian photojournalist struck by rubber bullet, foreign reporter deported and European correspondents denied or threatened with entry
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused Israeli authorities of escalating restrictions and intimidation against journalists working in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, citing detentions, deportations, injuries and entry bans.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, incidents include the detention and deportation of a Portuguese correspondent, the shooting of a Palestinian photojournalist with a rubber bullet and restrictions affecting British and German journalists.
The organization said Portuguese journalist Ribeiro, who works for independent outlet Fumaça, was arrested in the West Bank village of Rantis on Oct. 8 and deported the following day.
He told the organization that soldiers threatened him with physical assault and blindfolded him after he identified himself as a journalist.
Two days later, Israeli troops fired rubber bullets during clashes involving settlers near Ramallah, striking Palestinian photojournalist Issam al-Rimawi. He said he was wearing a clearly marked press vest when he was hit.
The organization also cited the detention of other journalists covering the Palestinian olive harvest, the brief detention of British journalist Secunder Kermani before he was allowed to enter Israel, and the reported rejection of a work visa application for German correspondent Serena Bilanceri.
CPJ regional director Sara Qudah said the incidents demonstrated a growing pattern of intimidation and a lack of accountability. The organization urged Israeli authorities to allow journalists to work without harassment and respect protections for the press.
Israeli immigration authorities and the military had not responded to the organization’s requests for comment on the reported incidents at the time of publication.
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