RAMALLAH, January 24, 2025 (WAFA) - The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) “Ombudsman's Office” expressed strong surprise at reports aired by Al Jazeera regarding the Palestinian public prosecutor's alleged failure to respond to what it described as the "ICHR's initiative for the release of journalist Mohammad Al-Atrash."

In a statement issued on Friday, the ICHR clarified that it had not made any such statement to Al Jazeera or any other media outlet and emphasized that no such initiative had been proposed by the Commission.

ICHR emphasized that its efforts have been focused on closely monitoring the case of Mohammad Al-Atrash, who was detained by the Palestinian prosecution on charges of violating a court order that mandated the cessation of Al Jazeera's operations and the prohibition of its reporters from working.

A representative of the Commission attended the investigative proceedings conducted by the prosecution, it noted.

In the meantime, the Public Prosecution stated that the detention of journalist Mohammad Al-Atrash was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law, following his proven violation of a court order and a decision issued by the relevant ministerial committee, which mandated the suspension and freezing of Al Jazeera’s activities and all journalists working with the channel until their legal status is rectified in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In a statement issued on Friday, the prosecution added that legal action against Al-Atrash was taken because he was among those included in the decision and had continued to broadcast news reports for the channel, despite the orders to halt its operations. Both Al Jazeera and all its journalists had been duly informed of these binding decisions, the statement noted.

The prosecution further noted that this action is part of the legal measures applied to those who violate court orders, emphasizing that the principle of equality before the law is the foundation of all proceedings and that no one is above the law.

All individuals are subject to the same legal provisions without any discrimination, stressed the statement.

T.R.