This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/23/ifj-condemns-israels-failure-to-release-palestinian-journalist

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
IFJ condemns Israel's failure to release Palestinian journalist IFJ condemns Israel's failure to release Palestinian journalist
(1 day later)
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the three-month extension of the detention without trial of Palestinian journalist Omar Nazzal.The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the three-month extension of the detention without trial of Palestinian journalist Omar Nazzal.
He had been due for release yesterday (22 August), but the Palestinian Prisoners Club, according to a report in The Times of Israel, said it had been informed by Nazzal’s lawyers that he would not be released as expected.He had been due for release yesterday (22 August), but the Palestinian Prisoners Club, according to a report in The Times of Israel, said it had been informed by Nazzal’s lawyers that he would not be released as expected.
Nazzal was arrested on 23 April at the border between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan when on his way to Sarajevo to attend the a meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).Nazzal was arrested on 23 April at the border between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan when on his way to Sarajevo to attend the a meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).
As the Guardian reported some 10 days later, an Israeli military court ordered the journalist, a member of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), to be held on “administrative detention” (a form of internment without charge or trial).As the Guardian reported some 10 days later, an Israeli military court ordered the journalist, a member of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), to be held on “administrative detention” (a form of internment without charge or trial).
Without revealing its evidence, the military accused Nazzal of “participation in a terrorist organisation”. His lawyer, Mahmoud Hassan, has denied that his client was linked to violence, calling it “a political arrest”.Without revealing its evidence, the military accused Nazzal of “participation in a terrorist organisation”. His lawyer, Mahmoud Hassan, has denied that his client was linked to violence, calling it “a political arrest”.
Philippe Leruth, the IFJ president, said: “This Israeli policy of administrative detention is a violation of human rights, the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. We are extremely concerned that the Israeli authorities are extending this policy and that they are allowed to do so ad infinitum”.Philippe Leruth, the IFJ president, said: “This Israeli policy of administrative detention is a violation of human rights, the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. We are extremely concerned that the Israeli authorities are extending this policy and that they are allowed to do so ad infinitum”.
In a statement at the time, the PJS said: “This arrest clearly reveals the level of targeting and persecution of journalists and their union by the Israeli authorities.”In a statement at the time, the PJS said: “This arrest clearly reveals the level of targeting and persecution of journalists and their union by the Israeli authorities.”
Nazzal, 54, has been on hunger strike since 4 August in protest at his detention.Nazzal, 54, has been on hunger strike since 4 August in protest at his detention.
The United Nations has expressed concern about the “deteriorating health” of another administrative detainee, Bilbal Kayed, who has reputedly been on hunger strike for 67 days.The United Nations has expressed concern about the “deteriorating health” of another administrative detainee, Bilbal Kayed, who has reputedly been on hunger strike for 67 days.
Nazzal formerly headed Palestine Today, a TV station affiliated with the militant group Islamic Jihad, for five months. He resigned earlier this year shortly before Israel shut down the broadcaster.Nazzal formerly headed Palestine Today, a TV station affiliated with the militant group Islamic Jihad, for five months. He resigned earlier this year shortly before Israel shut down the broadcaster.
Nazzal also had ties to the PFLP which, in the past, was involved in attacks on Israelis. Nazzal also had ties to the PFLP which has been involved in attacks on Israelis, including one on 21 August.
*In the original version it stated that the PFLP’s attacks had occurred “in the past.” This has now been updated.
Sources: IFJ/Times of Israel/The GuardianSources: IFJ/Times of Israel/The Guardian