The Forum of Palestinian Journalists (FPJ) has condemned the cybercrime law that was devised recently by president Mahmoud Abbas as “suppressive” and aimed at journalists especially those who use modern media platforms to express opinions.
In a press release on Saturday the FPJ also described the situation of freedoms in the West Bank especially with regard to media work as “extremely poor” pointing out that Abbas’s cybercrime law did not receive approval from the Palestinian Legislative council.
“This law has been implemented while there is already persistence in summonsing and arresting journalists and closing different media outlets and institutions under flimsy pretexts” the FPJ stated.
“The law does not contain a single text that stipulates respect for the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It criminalizes extensively and punishes for mere intentions without the occurrence of a criminal act” it explained.
The FPJ stressed that the law would also undermine the citizens’ right to express their political opinions using modern means of technology.
It also said that Abbas’s law constitutes a serious violation of the international law and the Palestinian basic law and portends a new phase of persecution against any voice criticizing or opposing his political regime.
