International press freedom watchdog slams closure of Palestine TV
Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement on Thursday slamming closure of Palestine TV offices in occupied Jerusalem by the Israeli authorities.
The international watchdog urged the occupation state to “allow Palestine TV and the Al-Arz Media Services Company to reopen their offices and resume their work”, also demanding that Israeli occupation forces “cease conducting raids of media organisations”.
Last Wednesday, “Israeli police and intelligence officers raided the Jerusalem offices of Palestine TV and the Al-Arz Media Services Company, seized broadcasting equipment, and ordered the companies to remain closed for six months”.
The raid and closure decisions were made by Israeli Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan.
Palestine TV reporter Christine Rinawi and Al-Arz manager Nizar Younes and director Ayman Abu Rmouz were also summoned for interrogation as well.
Palestine TV is a local broadcaster funded by the Palestinian Authority (PA), while Al-Arz Media Services Company provides production and broadcast support for Palestine TV. Israeli authorities routinely suppress any PA-supported, or linked, activity in occupied East Jerusalem.
“Israeli authorities must stop using the police and intelligence services to bludgeon local news organizations,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Representative Ignacio Miguel Delgado.
