Journalists Union petition to the High Court: Allow free press coverage
After Ynet reporter Hassan Shaalan was attacked by police while covering clashes near the Temple Mount, the Union of Journalists in Israel files a petition to the High Court of Justice to order the Ministry of Public Security and the police to formulate procedures that will ensure coverage without infringing the freedom of the press.
The Union of Journalists in Israel petitioned the High Court of Justice on Wednesday to formulate clear procedures regarding press coverage in areas in which police are stationed to maintain security.
The petition was filed against the backdrop of the recent events on the Temple Mount. The union claims that the police prohibited reporters from entering the Old City compound for coverage, and treated journalists violently.
One of those journalists was Ynet reporter Hassan Shaalan.
The petitioners request the High Court of Justice to order the Ministry of Public Security and the police to formulate procedures that will ensure coverage without infringing the freedom of the press.
"In view of the real danger to democracy in way of harm to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, the time is ripe for a transparent and clear policy," the petition stated.
The union's petition joins a petition by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, in which similar arguments were made, and it too will be deliberated on in the High Court of Justice.
