Cnn crew detained in west bank: israeli soldiers accused of violent assault
An international press association has condemned the detention of a CNN crew by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank, alleging a violent assault during coverage of settler violence near Tayasir.
Cnn photojournalist choked and camera damaged during detainment
The Foreign Press Association (FPA) detailed the incident, stating that the soldiers aggressively targeted the CNN team and Palestinian civilians on Thursday while they were reporting on the aftermath of an Israeli settler assault and the establishment of an illegal outpost.
According to the FPA, after identifying themselves as journalists, the CNN crew was repeatedly prevented from filming and threatened with camera confiscation. Later, a soldier allegedly placed CNN photojournalist Cyril Theophilos in a chokehold, slammed him to the ground, and damaged his camera.
CNN confirmed the account in its own report. The FPA, representing hundreds of journalists in Israel and Palestine, has called for an investigation, labeling the incident a “violent assault on clearly identified journalists and a direct attack on press freedom.”
“The use of force was excessive and dangerous. Pointing rifles at journalists and civilians, physically assaulting a cameraman, and detaining a crew are actions that cross every line,” the FPA stated. This is not an isolated incident; just days prior, a CNN producer suffered a fractured wrist during an “unprovoked assault” by Israeli police in East Jerusalem while documenting worshippers.
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating that the soldiers’ conduct “does not represent the IDF” and that an investigation is underway. A spokesperson, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, offered a private apology and reiterated that such behaviour “shouldn’t have happened.”
Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the October 2023 ceasefire in Gaza, compounded by a surge in deadly attacks by Israeli settlers. The incident highlights a deeply troubling pattern of hostility towards the press, one that threatens the already precarious environment for journalists reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The implications for freedom of the press are significant.
The FPA’s condemnation underscores the growing concerns within the international media community about the safety and security of journalists operating in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those documenting the conflict.