IFJ Demands Full Investigation Following Israeli Police Attack on Photographers

October 31, 2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned an attack by Israeli police on photographers near Silwad in the West Bank on Sunday, 26 October.

According to reports, Israeli police fired rubber bullets at the photographers at close range while they were taking pictures of protests that followed the funeral of a Palestinian activist.

Two journalists are said to have received minor injuries in the attack. One was a reporter from Associated Press who is said to have injured his arm. Another freelance photographer from Switzerland, Lazar Simeonov, also injured his hand and his camera was damaged.

IFJ’s Swiss affiliate, Impressum, has issued a statement demanding that the Israeli Ambassador in Switzerland, investigates the incident and provides an explanation for the attack.

“We strongly condemn this reckless and brutal attack which showed no regard for the safety of the journalists who were carrying out legitimate work to ensure the truth is told,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.

“This incident is yet another example of the Israeli soldiers' blatant disregard for the safety, freedoms and rights of journalists covering the conflict.

"We call on the Israeli government to carry out a thorough investigation to identify and punish those soldiers who carried out this act and ensure they face the full weight of justice."

The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries

For more information contact:
International Federation of Journalists
Phone: + 32 2 235 22 17
Website: www.ifj.org