RAMALLAH, January 31, 2001 (WAFA) - The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) Monday called on Hamas not to harass journalists working in the Gaza Strip.
It expressed support for the independent and Bethlehem-based Maan news agency in its conflict with Hamas over coverage of news. It also called for re-opening all closed media organizations in the
In a statement, PJS said it was surprised by attempts to criticize and accuse Maan of being biased. It said that “these allegations come from a media outlet close to Hamas and therefore it reflects and serves its (Hamas) policy.”
PJS denounced what it described as a provocative report, which it said had insulted a number of Maan journalists in the Gaza Strip, as well as harassed and extorted them, thus making it difficult for them to work. It considered these attempts as suppressing and restricting media freedom.
It said Hamas takes full responsibility for the safety of the journalists in the Gaza Strip. It also called on the various political factions not to involve the journalists in the political division.
Y.Y.
