Ashrawi calls to protect journalists

Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hanan Ashrawi has expressed concern about the recent assaults on the Palestinian free speech, calling for protection of journalists, and steps to enable them to work freely. "Freedom of expression and access to information is enshrined in the basic principles of the Palestinian Basic Law ... it is unacceptable to detain journalists, bloggers or Palestinian activists," Palestinian (Ma'an) news agency quoted Ashrawi as saying in a statement. Palestinian forces have detained two journalists, an academic, and at least one other person in recent weeks for reports and Facebook comments critical of the Palestinian Authority, which authorities say are slanderous. "This attack on civil liberties is a dangerous precedent affecting the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, and will undermine the building of a free, democratic and pluralistic society," Ashrawi said.