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Press Release May 22, 2000 |
| Press Release Index |
| Palestinian Police close Watan Television Station |
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On May 21, 2000, around 7:00
p.m. the director of Watan television was given an order by the crime
investigation unit of the Palestinian National Authority to close down
operations immediately. The criminal unit accused Watan of inciting violence
with their broadcasts of local area events. Al-haq looks onto this event with great concern due to the re-occurrence of arbitrarily shutting down television and news agencies. Several media agencies have been closed down under the PNA based on 'incitement.' This type of reaction by the PNA only hinders the work of media agencies and acts as a muzzle on freedom of speech and the free flow of information. “This order was given because of our coverage of the events relating to the Palestinian prisoners day and the Nakba (Palestinian Catastrophe). In further covering the demonstrations and protest following these events, they have accused us of incitement,” stated Director of Watan television Mr.Omar Nazal. Al-Haq recognizes the important role the media plays in civil society. Not only Watan, but other media and mass media organizations have a very important role of communicating information. Communication by the media is emphasized because it is the media that provides the general public information concerning the events in their communities and those surrounding them. The denial of access to news information by the media is a clear violation of an individual’s right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Proclaimed by UNESCO General Conference at its 20th session in Paris on November 28, 1978. Article 2, Paragraph 3. “…the mass media throughout the world, by reason of there role contribute to promoting human rights, in particular by giving expression to oppress peoples who struggle against colonialism, neo-colonialism, foreign occupation…” Al-Haq calls upon the PNA to immediately re-open Watan television and abide by all international human rights standards which guarantee one’s right of access to information by all media agencies. Please send your protest to: Minister of Information, Yasser Abed Raboo, Tel: (02) 298-6465, fax: (02) 295-4043/298-6466 -END- |
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