Israeli soldiers disguised as photojournalists endanger journalists' lives, says MADA

October 16, 2009

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses concern over the Israeli occupation forces disguising themselves as photojournalists in the middle of Palestinian protesters, who were protesting Israeli practices against Al Aqsa Mosque. The incident occurred in the neighbourhood of Ras al-Amud, in Jerusalem, on 8 and 9 October 2009.

Awad Awad, chairman of the Palestinian Photojournalists Committee, said a group of citizens confirmed the presence of a number of "Musta'rbeen" (an Israeli security forces unit usually dressed like Arabs), in the middle of the demonstrators. They were dressed as photojournalists, had cameras and arrested a number of young people.

MADA condemns the Israeli occupation forces for disguising themselves as photojournalists, and considers the act a violation of all international laws and charters. The practice is endangering the lives of the photojournalists, says MADA. MADA calls on the international community to pressure the Israeli government to stop these practices.


For more information contact:
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freed
MADA
Phone: +970 2 297 6519
Website: www.madacenter.org