Palestinian journalists hamstrung by Israel, PA law, internet giants
Palestinian journalists face pressure from multiple directions, even in the relative freedom of the internet.
The difficulties facing Palestinian journalists have led many to express themselves solely on digital media. But even with this relatively free medium, they are now dealing with a restrictive cybercrime law and pressure from Israel and social media companies in the absence of clearly defined rights and responsibilities. These three powerful forces are threatening press freedom in Palestine.
Palestinian officials including government spokesman Ibrahim Milhem, who spoke to Al-Monitor, insist that while press freedom is guaranteed by both local and international law, “the government will not tolerate hate speech, slander and other forms of defamation on digital media.”
