Palestinian Journalists Syndicate Urges Action To Save Reporter Held In Administrative Detention

(MENAFN- Palestine News Network ) Ramallah (PNN) - The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate on Wednesday appealed to international human rights and press freedom organisations to intervene urgently to save the life of veteran journalist Ali al-Samoudi, 58, who is being held by Israeli authorities under administrative detention.

Al-Samoudi, a long-time correspondent for Al-Quds newspaper and producer with Al Jazeera, was arrested in late April after Israeli forces raided his home in Jenin. The syndicate said he has since been subjected to harsh conditions, including physical and psychological abuse, denial of medical care and rapid weight loss. He suffers from chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension and stomach ulcers.

The syndicate's Freedoms Committee said al-Samoudi has faced a“systematic campaign” of targeting over the years, including repeated arrests, assaults and at least 11 injuries while reporting in the field. In May 2022, he was shot in the back while covering an Israeli raid in Jenin alongside slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

The union stressed that al-Samoudi's current detention - imposed without charge for six months - violates international law. It warned that his deteriorating health puts his life at grave risk and accused Israel of a broader policy aimed at silencing Palestinian journalists.

The syndicate called for Al-Samoudi's immediate, unconditional release.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate also called for urgent international intervention to protect Palestinian journalists.

The Syndicate called for Accountability for Israeli authorities at international courts over systematic violations of press freedom.

According to the syndicate, around 150 Palestinian journalists have been arrested since October 2023, with about 50 still imprisoned, most under administrative detention.

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