A leading human rights group is criticizing Palestinian security forces in the West Bank for what it says is an increase in attacks on local journalists, including arbitrary detainment and abuse.
The New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a report Wednesday that in the past two years, the Palestinian Authority has stepped up harassment of journalists investigating corruption or believed to support the rival Hamas militant group.
The report also accused Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, of using harsh tactics against journalists.
Joe Stork, a Human Rights Watch official, says Palestinian security forces are becoming notorious for intimidating journalists. He says both rival Palestinian governments need to end what he calls "blatant attacks on free expression."
