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Separately, PA authorities interrogated Tariq Khamis, a Zaman Press web site reporter. At issue were Facebook posts calling Abbas a traitor and an article about Palestinian youth groups highly critical of PA Amman peace negotiations with Israel.
Weeks earlier, PA security services arrested Wafa news journalist Rami Samara , held him a few hours, then released him. At issue was his critical Facebook comment about a PLO executive committee meeting and recent Amman peace talks with Israeli negotiators.
Samara told MADA he was interrogated, then asked to sign a statement. He refused because it included comments he hadn't made. A solidarity sit-in by colleagues got him released.
MADA condemned his arrest as well as "the harassment of journalists who openly express their views." It demanded security services respect press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also denounced the PA arrests and harassment. These actions occurred despite announcing an annual press freedom award for exemplary journalism.
According to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, the idea is about supporting local media and encouraging journalists to produce "quality and daring material that addresses citizens' concerns." In May, this year's winner will be announced.
According to CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney:
"It is ironic that Palestinian leaders, who for years have benefited from independent media coverage, should now try to stifle their own critical journalists. The Palestinian Authority should stop muzzling journalists and scouring social media posts looking for critics to punish."
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), their main union, urged reporters to boycott the award in light of recent events. Following an emergency meeting, PJS asked them to focus on Al-Shayeb's case. It called it a blow to press freedom.
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