Three human rights organisations condemn closure of al-Jazeera by the PA

Three Palestinian human rights organisations, on Thursday, issued statements condemning the closure, by the Ramallah Palestinian Authority, of the offices of al-Jazeera satellite station.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) said in its statement: “PCHR asserts that this decision constitutes a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression, and calls upon the Government in Ramallah to cancel it and allow the JSC and its personnel to work freely.”

PCHR expressed concern about the decision and called for the protection of journalists and ensure they enjoy the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.

PCHR further stressed that the right to freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Palestinian Basic Law as well as International laws and called on the Ramallah government to revoke its decision in this regard, especially that the Ramallah government has also decided to sue al-Jazeera ” which removes any excuse for such  decision that constitute and assault on the judicial powers.”

Al-Mizan human rights organisation also issued a statement on Thursday condemning the Ramallah government for the suspension of al-Jazeera office and stressing that the right to information was a fundamental human right.

Al-Mizan further said that believing in the freedom of press requires that the judicial route is pursued and a judicial outcome is awaited before any action is taken, and not to take action then wait for a judicial decision.

Al-Mizan further called on the Ministry of Information of the Ramallah government to revoke its decision and reopen al-Jazeera offices.

Sawaseya [Equality] human rights organisation also condemned the Ramallah government decision and called for reopening of al-Jazeera offices awaiting a judicial outcome of the legal action taken by the Ramallah government against the satellite channel.

Sawaseya further said in its statement that al-Jazeera and other satellite stations helped expose the Israeli occupation crimes against the Palestinian people and their closure only stands to serve the occupation.