German broadcaster says Hamas tortured cameraman

[Phx_Dem]

BERLIN (AFP) - German public broadcaster ARD said Thursday that Hamas-run security forces had tortured one of its cameramen working in Gaza while he was in their custody.

The head of ARD's Tel Aviv bureau, Richard C. Schneider, told German radio that Sawah Abu Saif, who was released overnight after being held for five days, had been badgered for information about the network's reporting in the region.

"He was tortured during his detention," he said. "We was questioned about the work of ARD. They wanted to know everything about the staff and correspondents and why ARD reported so much negative news about Hamas."

Schneider said Saif had been told that he would remain under surveillance after his release and that the cameraman was afraid of further mistreatment.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080731/wl_mideast_afp/mideastunrestmediagermany

[shira]

1. and people wonder why the media is tilted against Israel

Case in point here. Media intimidation. Cross Hamas or Fatah and you risk your life, or at best, you get kicked out and lose your privileges to report within the territories. If you're in the press and assigned to I/P, you'd better comply with Hamas and Fatah leadership. Or you're out of business.

Gee, what's a reporter to do? Go against Hamas or Fatah and risk everything? Or report lopsidedly against Israel and please the Palestinian leadership? Hmmmm.