RAMALLAH, April 9, 2012 (WAFA) – The Palestinian security forces Monday denied claims that there was any control over Palestinian social media, newspapers, TV or radio.

The denial came following claims by Palestinian journalists that the security forces were monitoring what they write and then prosecute them if they do not like what was said.

Spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, Gen. Adnan Damiri, said in a press conference in Ramallah that recent criticisms against the government concerning freedom of speech and journalism were exaggerated.

He insisted that there was no control over media in Palestine, emphasizing the need to differentiate between censorship and defamation and slander.

He urged Palestinians, especially journalists, to refer to the Palestinian judicial system to solve any issues that might rise in relation to their work or everyday life.

Damiri pointed out that there have been lawsuits filed against Palestinian officials, which affirm that the Palestinians’ right to litigate is guaranteed by the law.

He called on the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate to initiate a disciplinary court to look into cases of journalists who might have crossed their code of ethics.

A number of Palestinian journalists were recently arrested in the West Bank, some of them on charges of slander for exposing corruption among Palestinian officials or for criticizing top leaders.

The arrests raised concern of a crackdown on freedom of opinion and expression in the Palestinian Territory.

M.H./M.S.