Marking the fifth arrest of the journalist in a span of the past three years, Women Press Freedom calls for Bushra Al-Taweel's immediate release

Location: West Bank, Ramallah

Date: March 7, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands strongly against the assault on Bushra Al-Taweel by Israeli soldiers before being arrested. This incident marks the journalist's fifth arrest within the last three years. We categorically condemn this gross act of violence; it is a blatant violation of journalistic freedom and basic human rights. We demand Al-Taweel's prompt release from detention. We urge international authorities to intervene in the matter and ensure that the journalist is freed without any further delay.

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Sounds of verbal abuse pierced the evening silence, followed by the distressing cries of pain from Bushra Al-Taweel, a well-known Palestinian journalist. As the shouts and cries filled the air, a friend of Al-Taweel, who witnessed the ordeal, recounted the event, describing the physical assault Al-Taweel endured at the hands of Israeli soldiers shortly before her arrest.

The incident was part of a larger raid early on Thursday morning by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Ramallah in the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources. The operation began with the IOF establishing a presence on Community College Street before advancing into the Tira neighborhood, where multiple homes were subjected to raids. These incursions into various parts of Ramallah led to the detention of several Palestinians, including Al-Taweel. 

Women Press Freedom has documented several press freedom and human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli forces against Bushra Al-Taweel. This marks the fifth detention oof  Al-Taweel in recent years. The journalist's previous arrest occurred at a checkpoint in Nablus on March 22, 2022, without any formal trial or charges being brought against her.

Amidst Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, the core tenets of press freedom have been severely jeopardized. Women Press Freedom has documented the killings of 19 women journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Of these tragic deaths, 15 were a direct result of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. These distressing numbers highlight grave concerns about the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists, which could potentially amount to war crimes. The direct threats made by Israeli officials towards reporters and their families further exacerbate these concerns, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and protection of press freedom.

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Bushra Al-Taweel and all journalists confronted with violence and censorship in the course of their essential work. We vehemently denounce any form of aggression targeting media professionals. Safeguarding freedom of expression is paramount, and it must not be undermined. We call for the immediate release and unconditional acquittal of Bushra Al-Taweel. It is imperative that Israeli forces halt their aggression against journalists. The international community is urged to take action to secure the protection of journalists in the face of these challenging and risky circumstances.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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