2015-03-10

 I’lam hereby condemns the closure of the agency “Qpress” and the attack made on its employees by the police, which took place on Monday, March 9.th I’lam demands that the General Commander of the Police provide explanations for the attack on and the unfounded arrests of its journalists in Umm al-Fahm, which are a clear violation of their individual and professional rights as journalists and the rights of the public to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

The attacks that occurred at Qpress headquarters this past Monday were a blatant assault and an intrusion upon the rights of its journalists. Witnesses stated that the intruders carried out acts of barbarism, such as the destruction of stationary and supplies, as well as office furniture. Journalists Anas Ghanayem, Dr. Hikmat Naamnih, Saher Ghazzawi, Badr Mahajna and Badr Ighbarieh were all arrested during the raid and journalist, Mohammed Khairy, who works at the agency, was also attacked. Further, the police prevented other media from approaching and filming the raid without cause.

This attack is unacceptable under any circumstances. I’lam calls on journalists all over to continue to cover the events Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa. This intimidation by the Israeli government, in hopes of preserving the status quo, must not be tolerated.