JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 28, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
BRUSSELS: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), the Federazione Nazionale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI) and (SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT Journalistes), respectively IFJ affiliates in Palestine, Italy and France, in condemning the appalling attack on two AFP reporters by Israeli soldiers and calling for end of impunity enjoyed by Israeli army which undermines freedom of information.
The two AFP journalists, Italian cameraman Andrea Bernardi and his Palestinian colleague photographer Abbas Momani, both clearly identifiable as journalists, were violently assaulted by soldiers at Beit Furik, near Nablus while they covered clashes between the army and Palestinian protesters.
The soldiers, clearly unhappy about journalists’ witnessing the heavy handed repression of the protest, set upon them, hurling them to the ground and breaking their cameras and confiscating other equipment.
The PJS President and IFJ Executive Committee member, Abdel Nasser Najjar, denounced the attack, describing the brutality against the two journalists as “further evidence of the Israeli government’s attacks against foreign and local journalists on the territories for the sole purpose of hiding Israel’ atrocities committed against Palestinians."
His fellow IFJ Executive Commitee member Franco Siddi of Italy added that “These attacks are very serious and unacceptable. Journalists are witnesses to the truth. This particular attack by the Israeli soldiers is even more unconscionable as soldiers have to comply with clear (international law) rules, one of which is not to target civilians, including journalists, who are entitled to protection.”
The French IFJ affiliates joined the statements by the Foreign Correspondents’ Association (FCA) in Jerusalem, which denounced the « appalling attitude » of Israeli soldiers, adding that “No action would have been taken, had it not been for the video recording.”
The IFJ cautiously welcomed the action taken by the Israeli army authorities against soldiers involved in the incident, which marked as departure from the practices in the past.
"Only a fortnight ago, at least ten Palestinian journalists were injured by soldiers who hit them and damaged their equipment in order to prevent them from filming, “ said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “ No action was taken by their commanders. This time the army announced disciplinary measures against the soldiers. Could this be the breakthrough to end impunity that we have been waiting for?"
The IFJ and its affiliates fully support the AFP journalists and call for an investigation into the methods of the Israeli army to hold accountable those who authorise them at the highest level. The Federation and its affiliates also want to see the end of impunity for those who commit these atrocities so that Palestinian journalists can enjoy real freedom to move and to inform the public. - IFJ
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.