GAZA, January 23, 2007, (WAFA)- Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemned the attack on the office of the Al Arabia satellite news channel on Monday evening as unknown persons detonated an explosive device at the door of the office causing severe damage.

In a press release issued Tuesday, PCHR considered the attack as a part of a series of systematic crimes and assaults on the rule of law to create a state of lawlessness and undermine stability in the Palestinian territories.

According to PCHR no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is clear that the attackers exploited the atmosphere that followed the Palestinian government's declaration that it would sue the news channel for a report it had broadcasted, which the government considered as a kind of defamation against the Prime Minister.

PCHR also expressed utmost concern over repeated attacks on journalists and media institutions, which have increased recently, and stressed that such attacks constitute a serious assault on the freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information, and are likely to undermine the "Fourth Authority."

It called upon the PNA to take effective steps to confront assaults on the rule of law, end the state of lawlessness and allow law enforcement bodies to assume their duties to protect the security and property of people.

H.M (18:12 P) (16:12 GMT)