French Journalists Targeted by State-Linked Harassment After China Investigation
March 19, 2025
Indian press groups call for investigation after journalist’s body found in septic tank
March 19, 2025
March 19, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –
Palestinian journalist Latifeh Abdellatif was detained by Israeli forces in Jerusalem’s Old City, sparking international concern over press freedom in the region. Abdellatif, a freelance photojournalist, has contributed to major news organizations such as Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, and ABC News. Israeli authorities accused her of “incitement” and “supporting terrorism,” based largely on her social media posts that included content related to Yahya Sinwar, the late leader of Hamas.
After her arrest, Abdellatif was brought before a court via video link. Although a judge initially ordered her release, the Israeli police appealed the decision. This appeal led to the extension of her detention, under restrictive conditions including bail and a one-week ban from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a significant religious site in Jerusalem.
Her case is emblematic of a wider crackdown on journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), as of early 2025, around 75 journalists had been arrested across the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem, with Israeli authorities responsible for nearly all these arrests. The detentions often relate to accusations of incitement or security concerns, but critics argue they represent a broader suppression of journalistic freedom and the right to report on politically sensitive issues.
Abdellatif’s detention has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and media advocacy groups. They warn that such actions create an atmosphere of fear and censorship, severely hindering the ability of journalists to cover critical events in the region. This not only affects the journalists themselves but also restricts public access to information in a highly volatile and contested political environment.
Her case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian journalists working under occupation, where reporting often carries significant personal risks. It underscores the urgent need for protecting press freedom and ensuring that journalists can work without fear of arrest or harassment.
Reference –
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/17/middleeast/latifeh-abdellatif-israel-detention-intl-latam
