Frequent attacks and harassments against journalists have reported during their recent protests aimed to exert pressure on the PNA to secure the release of their kidnapped colleague; Alan Johnston.
Today, guards attacked journalists at the entrance of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in Gaza city.
Guards violently denied the journalists entry to the building.
Five journalists were beaten and others were threatened with guns.
A crowd of protesting journalists wanted to hand a petition to PLC members condemning its passive role to secure the release of Johnston and calling upon the Council to intensify its efforts in this respect.
Journalist reported that many of them were subjected to beating, threats and harassment by guards; among whom were: Mohammad Al Baba, Photographer in AFP, Mohammad Shabat, a sound technician in Ramattan News Agency, Nedal Bolbol, a photographer in Rafedain Satellite Channel, Mohammad Salha, a photographer in Al Arabiya Satellite Channel, and Zakaria Al Telmis, reporter of German TV.
Two journalists; Hassan Jabr and Fayez Abu Own, both are reporters of the Al Ayyam Newspaper's, were threatened with arms.
Al Mezan expresses its condemnation of frequent attacks on journalists, which infringes upon their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Center also expresses its support and solidarity to activities carried out by journalists in solidarity with Alan Johnston.
The Center questions the PNA's continued failure to secure Johnston's release, and calls upon the PNA to intensify its efforts to free him unharmed.
Al Mezan calls upon the PLC's Presidency to investigate the attacks against journalists today, which is the second of its kind recently.
It is odd that elected PLC members ignore such protest and disregard their demands.
Al Mezan calls upon the PLC members and committees to undertake their duties concerning holding the Executive accountable for having failed to maintain security and order, and to effectively investigate and resolve acts of kidnapping and murder in Gaza.
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