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Hamas Releases Detained Journalists

Mohammed Suliman reports on concerns for press freedom in Gaza, despite Hamas releasing four journalists detained last week.
A member of the Palestinian security forces scuffles with a journalist in the West Bank city of Ramallah July 1, 2012, during a protest by Palestinians against a meeting between President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Vice Premier Shaul Mofaz that had been put off. Abbas has postponed the controversial meeting with Mofaz that had been scheduled for Sunday, Palestinian officials said on Saturday. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTR34GAN

Hamas caved to public pressure and on Jan. 28 released six individuals, including four journalists, who were detained the previous week, on Jan. 21 and 22.

“Having received orders from Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, the four journalists who were earlier arrested by the internal security apparatus in Gaza have been released despite the sensitivity of the charges,” announced Ihab al-Ghussein, the head of the Government Press Office in Gaza.

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