Following documentary filmmaker Paul Martin’s kidnapping in Gaza on Monday by Hamas, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) noted that the kidnapping came just when he was about to give evidence at a military tribunal. The IFJ called it a “shocking violation of journalists’ rights” and demanded his immediate release.
IFJ and its UK affiliate, the National Union of Journalists, says they are challenging Gaza authorities over the unprecedented action of security officials to detain a British freelance journalist.
“This is an astonishing incident that casts a shadow over all foreign correspondents trying to work in Gaza,” stated Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. in press release about the incident”. Hamas must guarantee the rights of journalists in the area.”
According to the IFJ, Martin was told he was suspected of security offenses and will be held for 15 days. The action has raised fears for the safety of foreign correspondents in the Gaza Strip. Martin apparently just started giving evidence on behalf of a Gaza man accused of collaborating with Israel when the prosecutor intervened and ordered police to arrest him. According to eyewitness reports obtained by the IFJ, he was taken roughly from the court. He is being accused of harming Gaza’s security.
Martin has produced reports for the BBC and the Times, and was supposed to speak on behalf of Mohammed Abu Muailik, whom he has been working on a documentary with. Abu Muailik has been in detention since June. It’s possible that the order to detain Martin was based on a confession by Abu Muailik.
Martin’s detention could be the beginning of a change in attitude and actions toward foreign journalists working in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas. There have been no incidents with foreign journalists in the area for nearly 3 years.