Palestinian media under threat

'Systematic targeting' in Palestine London – Tom Rollins A press advocacy group has warned that Israeli forces still pose a threat to Palestinian journalists, according to a statement. The Palestinian Centre for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has recorded a range of violations during April 2013, criticising the Israeli army for preventing journalists from carrying out their profession in the West Bank. "MADA condemns all violations against journalists, and urges the international community to move fast and seriously to stop the attacks on journalists and ensure their safety from this systematic targeting," the group said in a statement. During April armed forces used rubber bullets, beating and detention against Palestinian journalists. On April 8, an Israeli soldier shot Palestinian News Network (PNN) cameraman Mohammad Waleed Alaza in the face with a rubber bullet near the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem. Hona Al Quds Network editor-in-chief Mazen Awad was beaten by three soldiers at the Beit Eil checkpoint on April 17. His journalism identification papers were also confiscated. A military court also sentenced Palestinian cartoonist Mohamed Fayeq Sabaana to five months in prison and a $2,800 fine for “contacting a hostile third-party.” MADA figures also reported two violations carried out by Palestinian Authority forces, after Quds Network editor-in-chief Tareq Khames and Quds Press Agency correspondent Khaldoun Mathloum were both arrested in April.