Al Jazeera ban must be lifted, human rights experts urge Palestinian Authority
The development comes a week after a court in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank ordered the closure of several Al Jazeera websites. A Palestinian Authority ministerial committee earlier justified the forcible closure of the media company’s office in the West Bank, accusing it of broadcasting “incitement” and “false information” material. , seduction and interference in the internal affairs of the Palestinian people.”
“The closure of a prominent international media outlet and one of the largest media outlets in the region is a disproportionate and unnecessary act. and severely restrict freedom of expression and hinder access to information for the Palestinian people as well as regional and global audiences,” experts said in a statement.
“We are extremely alarmed by the attack on freedom of expression by the Palestinian Authority,” they emphasized.
Sites are required to close
On January 1, 2025, the Palestinian Attorney General ordered the suspension of Al Jazeera in the occupied Palestinian territory. The decision prohibits Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and activities, including the work of its journalists, staff and affiliated teams.
The suspension follows a letter from the Palestinian Minister of Culture, based on the decision of the Tripartite Commission – a specialized ministerial committee comprising the ministries of culture, interior and communications – responsible for granting license for satellite and terrestrial radio and television stations.
On January 5, the Ramallah Court of First Instance ordered the closure of several Al Jazeera websites for four months, including aljazeera.net, aljazeera.net/live, aljazeera360.com and Global.ajplus.net, citing financial reasons. Their published material “threatens national security.” and incitement to commit crimes”.
“We are extremely concerned that the Palestinian Authority’s decision to ban Al Jazeera came after the agency’s critical coverage of the violent crackdown by Palestinian security forces since December 5, 2024 at Camp refugees in Jenin and across the occupied West Bank.. Experts said at least eight Palestinians were killed in the violence, including a young female journalist.
“The decision to ban Al Jazeera is based on vague and baseless accusations amid escalating violence and human rights violations suggests that the Palestinian Authority’s real goal is to prevent international scrutiny and silence vexing criticism,” they maintained.
Freedom and independence
“Free and independent media, including an international media presence, are vital to ensuring transparency and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. . in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
In Gaza, Israel has banned all international journalists from reporting inside the enclave since the outbreak of war in October 2023. Dozens of Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces while covering the conflict conflict, according to international media organizations, including the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO.
The experts, who are not United Nations employees and are not paid for their work, have called on the Palestinian Authority not to follow the Israeli government’s example of banning Al Jazeera in Israel and the occupied. [Palestinian] Territory and closed its Ramallah office last year.
“Without independent reporting, potential human rights abuses and violations of international law may go unreported, creating an environment where impunity thrives,” experts said. ”.
Experts have raised their concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and on journalists with Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
