On June 16, 2024, we sent legal correspondence to the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner regarding the conduct of the police towards journalists and their work. In the correspondence, written by Attorney Nitsan Ilani and Freedom of Protest Coordinator Sivan Tahel, we pointed out that recently the police have repeatedly prevented journalists from covering various events, sometimes using force, extreme violence, or false arrests, and that in some cases the police do not provide journalists with protection when they are attacked. Many testimonies were attached to the correspondence, both from the "Flag March" events in Jerusalem and from crowd dispersal incidents and arrests of demonstrators throughout the country.
In addition to the physical harm to journalists and the lack of police protection they receive, we noted that this unacceptable conduct by the police majorly violates freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, as well as the public's right to know-and is even contrary to police procedures. We also warned that the infringement on freedom of the press is a key element in the erosion of Israeli democracy that is currently occurring.
In light of the above, we requested that all police officers be instructed to act in accordance with standard procedures and to refrain from restricting freedom of expression and press coverage in the public sphere, with the exception of unusual cases and, even then, for the minimum period of time required. We also sought to set within the procedures, or clarify by means of written instructions, the obligation to act to protect journalists from harassment and violence, the prohibition against using violence against journalists, and a requirement to act to investigate the incidents detailed in our inquiry.
In response to our inquiry, the police stated in August 2024 that they intended to promptly amend their procedures, highlighting the significance of protecting the freedom of the press. They also stated that they would be investigating the events described in our correspondence. In response, we warned that the violent prevention of press coverage is still an ongoing issue-and is even increasing-and that we stood behind our original requests.