Ref: 157/2007

Date: 08 November  2007

Time: 12:00 GMT

PCHR Condemns the Detention of 2 Journalists by Preventive Security Service in Hebron

PCHR strongly condemns the detention of journalists ‘Alaa’ al-Titi and Asyad ‘Amarna in Hebron yesterday by the Preventive Security Service, and demands their immediate release. PCHR stresses that the detention of the two journalists constitutes an assault against press freedoms and the right to the freedom of expression, which are ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights instruments.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 7 November 2007, journalists ‘Alaa’ Mohammed al-Titi, from al-Fawar refugee camp south of Hebron, and Asyad ‘Abdul Majid ‘Amarna, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp southwest of Bethlehem, traveled to Hebron. Contacts with them were cut off over the day. In the evening, their families started to search for them and discovered that the two were arrested by the Preventive Security Service.

The two journalists used to work for the al-Aqsa Television, affiliated to Hamas, but they left their jobs and started to work as freelancers after the al-Aqsa Television in Ramallah had been closed following Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip.

PCHR strongly condemns the detention of the two journalists, and:

1)      Expresses deep concern over repeated assaults against press freedoms and the right to the freedom of expression, and calls for providing protection for journalists and media institutions to allow them to work freely.

2)      Stresses that press freedoms and the right to the freedom of expression are ensured by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights instruments.