Members of International Media to Sue Israeli Government
On July 13th, 2010, CoR director Iara Lee attended a press conference in Istanbul where members of the international media recounted their experiences from the Israeli commando attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and declared their intention to sue the Israeli government. Reporters spoke of how the Israeli military forces killed one of their colleagues, beat several others, and stole all of their equipment. The group, comprising over 30 media personnel, have formed a platform called the Flotilla Free Press, through which they intend to highlight how the Israeli forces violated international law and repressed the freedom of information. Lawyers have already begun working on suits in several European countries, and cases will be filed shortly.
At the press conference, members of the Flotilla Free Press outlined the following demands of Israel and the International community:
• The immediate return of all their equipment, footage, and personal belongings.
• Compensation from Israel for their loss, and any material or psychological damage caused to them by the bloody attack on the aid convoy.
• An international, independent inquiry into the attack and Israel’s treatment of the journalists who were on board.
• For the United Nations and European Union to reaffirm their belief in the principle of freedom of speech and press freedoms.
• For the UN and EU punish Israel for its kidnapping, beating, and mistreatment of the journalists.
For more information, please send an email to info@culturesofresistance.org.
