79 journalists arrested and 130 injured since the start of the intifada

Attacks by the Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian journalists, photographers and media have escalated dangerously since the start of “Al-Quds Intifada” almost a year ago. Figures released by the Committee to Support Palestinian Journalists reveal that 79 journalists have been arrested since October 2015, and 130 have been injured.

In a statement issued by the committee on the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, it stressed that October 2015 saw the largest number of recorded violations against those covering the events of the intifada in towns and cities across occupied Palestine, including Jerusalem.

Between October last year and last month, said the committee, there have been at least 489 Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists. The figure includes 174 violations in the last three months of 2015 and 315 occurring since the beginning of this year.

“Violations” included arrests, detention, the extension of detention and direct attacks aiming to cause maximum harm, such as the use of live ammunition, beatings and arrest. Dozens of violations also occurred as a result of tear gas and sound bombs, prohibiting journalists from working and covering the news.

The committee called on international organisations concerned with journalists’ rights to take action and pressure the Israeli occupation authorities to end their attacks and hostility towards Palestinian journalists. International conventions and charters provide for journalists to be able to move freely and cover events without hindrance.