Regulator demands police take action to stop attacks on journalists

24 July 2023, 3:13 pm

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Channel 13 reporters and film crew heckled as they report from the scene of a terror attack in Jerusalem, January 28, 2023. (Twitter/used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The Second Authority for Television and Radio, Israel’s commercial broadcast regulator, sends a letter to police chief Kobi Shabtai urging him to prevent what it says are a growing number of threats and attacks on journalists covering the political drama in the country.

“What began as ‘isolated’ incidents has become a serious trend,” the Authority says.

It says journalists from “all outlets” have been attacked, particularly while covering protests, despite the heavy presence of police officers.

It expresses concern both for the physical wellbeing of reporters and “harm to freedom of the press and the public’s right to know.”

The regulator calls on police to take immediate action to stamp out such behavior.