Seizure of AP equipment follows adoption of controversial new media law that allows banning foreign broadcasts

Location: Israel
Date: May 22, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions by the Israeli Ministry of Communication, which confiscated camera and broadcasting equipment from The Associated Press (AP) in Sderot, southern Israel, on May 21. This seizure, claimed to be in response to violations of a new foreign broadcaster law, represents a troubling escalation in the restriction of press freedom.

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As Women Press Freedom has previously stated, the shutdown of Al Jazeera's operations in Israel on May 5 as a first enforcement of the law, signals a worrying trend towards censorship and control over the narrative surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The AP's compliance with Israeli military censorship guidelines, providing only general views of northern Gaza without sensitive military details, underscores the arbitrary nature of the equipment seizure. AP's statement highlights that Al Jazeera is one of thousands of clients receiving live video feeds, which typically include non-sensitive footage like smoke rising over Gaza. This selective enforcement of the law against AP raises concerns about the targeting of specific media outlets.

The return of AP's equipment, following substantial backlash, including criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid who called the government's actions "an act of madness," does not mitigate the underlying threat posed by the new law. The danger of broad legislative measures being used to suppress media freedom under the guise of national security must not be underestimated.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of deteriorating press freedom in the region. Journalists in Israel and the Palestinian territories have faced numerous challenges, including killings, detentions, physical threats, harassment, and restrictions on their movement and reporting. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the situation, where access to accurate information is critical. Women Press Freedom has repeatedly called on the Israeli government to respect the rights of journalists and ensure their safety.

We echo the sentiments of AP's vice president of corporate communications, Lauren Easton, who expressed deep concern about the implications of the new media law for journalistic freedom in Israel. The law's sweeping powers, defended by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi as necessary for national security, open the door to potential abuses that can severely hinder the press's ability to report freely and truthfully. 

The international community must remain vigilant, advocating for the protection of press freedom and the rights of journalists to operate without undue interference or intimidation. As conflicts and crises continue to unfold, the role of the press in providing accurate, unbiased reporting is more crucial than ever. We urge Israeli authorities to find a balanced approach that safeguards national security while upholding the fundamental principles of a free and independent press. 

Women Press Freedom will continue to monitor the situation closely, supporting our colleagues in Israel and beyond in their pursuit of truth and accountability. We call on international bodies and human rights organizations to join us in condemning these actions and advocating for the protection of press freedom.

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