Palestinian Media Forum says PA imprisoned, tortured journalist
Date: 04 / 07 / 2009 Time: 16:19
www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=39015

Gaza - Ma'an - The Palestinian Authority must stop the practice of detaining
journalists for political reasons, a statement from the Palestinian Media
Forum proclaimed Saturday.

The forum called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to pressure his
security agencies into greater respect for press freedoms, saying they
detain media workers "when the political situation is unfavorable" and said
there were at least seven journalists in PA prisons.

Citing the example of Ramallah-based journalist Mustafa Sabri, who was
arrested from his home for the tenth time on 21 April 2009 by Preventive
Security forces, the forum condemned the use of arrest and torture against
journalists. According to the forum, Sabri was taken to a hospital twice
after his health deteriorated due to severe torture in PA custody.

Included in the report were files and correspondence with the Palestinian
High Court and PA security services over a decision on 15 June 2009 ordering
the release of Sabri, and indications from the PA security services that he
would not be released, despite the court ruling.

The forum, along with its call to end violations of press freedom in the
West Bank and Gaza, outlined its ongoing campaign for the release of Sabri.
The Media Forum said it was working with the Palestinian Centre for Human
Rights, the Mizan Center for Human Rights, the Conscience Foundation for
Human Rights, the Center for Human Rights Studies - Ramallah, the
Palestinian Independent Commission and a network of civil organizations and
citizens.