Manama: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Monday warned the Israeli government about its responsibility vis-à-vis the security of the journalists on the Freedom Flotilla attacked by Israeli troops.
The Brussels-based international media watchdog said that it reacted with shock at the news of the brutal attacks on civilians, including journalists, by Israeli forces and called for an urgent and comprehensive international investigation into the incident and for the information blackout to be lifted.
"We join the European Union in demanding a full inquiry which must be independent in order to be credible. We condemn any attempt at the blackout and censorship of news by the Israeli authorities which is hindering journalists from giving an accurate account of what is happening," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
The IFJ said in a statement that the curtain of secrecy drawn around the incident by the Israeli authorities was increasing anxiety among friends and relatives.
“The IFJ believes that up to 100 journalists and media staff from a number of different countries were on board when the attacks took place,” Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “The IFJ is fully investigating the incident and plans to raise the issue at a special meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council planned for Geneva on Friday."
The IFJ member union in Israel should take the matter up with the authorities, White said.
"The international community must respond immediately to this outrage. The rights of journalists in conflict zones have been particularly highlighted by the United Nations and members states cannot stand by when one state acts in a reckless and dangerous manner," he said.
