IFJ condemns Israel's announcement to shut down Al Jazeera

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 07, 2017

BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemned yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli government to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Jerusalem, revoke its journalists’ credentials and shut down the network’s cable and satellite transmissions.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement in late July where he accused the Qatar-based broadcaster of incitement over the Temple Mount, a sensitive Jerusalem holy site, and being unprofessional in the coverage of the Al-Aqsa Mosque clash between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security forces.

During a press conference yesterday in Jerusalem in which Al Jazeera was barred from attending, Israeli Communications Minister Ayoob Kara told the media that he would cut Al Jazeera’s cable and satellite connections and demand that the media house’s journalists be stripped of their credentials. He added without further explanation that Israeli authorities will also seek to limit its Arab citizens’ access to Al Jazeera’s Arabic-language broadcasts.

“We have based our decision on the move by Sunni Arab states to close the Al Jazeera offices and prohibiting their work,” Kara told media, adding that the channel is being used by groups to “incite” violence – an accusation denied by the network. Israel’s parliament will now consider the request in its next session.

The network has denounced the decision in a statement, saying that “during the press conference, the minister could not substantiate his comments by referring to a single news bulletin or situation that proved Al Jazeera had not been professional or objective during its coverage in Jerusalem.”

Israel has joined the coalition of the countries that have recently banned Al Jazeera – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.  They all broke ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of fostering extremism and later issuing 13 demands, including Al Jazeera’s closure.

The IFJ strongly condemned the move, and asked the coalition to stop using journalists as “political footballs” which has had a devastating impact on hundreds of media staff and their families.

The IFJ once again strongly opposed the witch-hunt against the media broadcaster in the region.

"The decision by Israeli authorities to close down Al Jazeera's office in Jerusalem and to withdraw their journalists' credentials under a general accusation of supporting violence is an attack against press freedom and pluralism of information,” said IFJ President, Philippe Leruth.

“If some information broadcasted by Al Jazeera was wrong, Israeli authorities had the possibility to exercise their right to reply. Choosing not to do this, and instead joining an international campaign against Al Jazeera, they give the impression they want to silence a voice that doesn't please them which is contrary to the democratic values they represent," he added. 

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), an IFJ affiliate, also condemned the announcement. “We stand in solidarity with Al Jazeera, its journalists and crews working in Palestine. The move of the Occupation Authorities to close down Al Jazeera is a grave violation of freedom of expression and the rights of journalists to work.” The union also called on Arab states not to involve media and journalists in their political disputes.

Other media organizations have also condemned the announcement. – IFJ media release

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 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.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 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.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

 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.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

 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.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

 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?