Israeli Police Detain Renowned Palestinian Journalist Latifeh Abdellatif Over Alleged “Incitement” Charges

Key Points:

• Palestinian journalist Latifeh Abdellatif was detained by Israeli police in Jerusalem over accusations of “incitement” and “support for terrorism.”
• Abdellatif, a freelance photojournalist, has worked with major news outlets, including BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
• The Israeli court initially ruled for her release, but police immediately appealed the decision, requesting her continued detention.
• Abdellatif’s arrest highlights growing concerns about press freedom in Jerusalem, with many local journalists expressing fears of persecution for covering Palestinian issues.

Israeli police have detained Palestinian journalist Latifeh Abdellatif, a freelance photojournalist known for her work with prominent international outlets like Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera. Abdellatif was arrested on Sunday in Jerusalem, accused by Israeli authorities of “incitement” and “support for terrorism,” allegations she vehemently denies.

Arrest Details and Court Decision

The arrest occurred in the Old City of Jerusalem when police officers reportedly arrived in unmarked vehicles and detained Abdellatif. She was accused of posting a video on social media featuring the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, in which he expressed his desire to die as a “martyr.” Israeli authorities claim her posts glorified the actions of terrorist organizations.

On Monday, Abdellatif appeared via video link in a Jerusalem magistrate court. The judge ruled against Israeli police’s request for an additional five-day detention, citing her role as a journalist and the fact that the social media posts in question were over six months old. Abdellatif’s lawyer, Nasser Odeh, argued that her work was part of her professional duties and that she posed no danger to the public. The judge ordered her release under restrictive conditions, including a bail payment.

Despite this, Israeli police quickly appealed the court’s decision, freezing the release pending further legal proceedings.

Growing Concerns for Press Freedom

Abdellatif’s arrest has raised alarms about the increasingly difficult environment for journalists in Jerusalem, particularly those covering Palestinian issues. Fellow journalists report being targeted by Israeli security forces, with many expressing fear of facing similar charges for simply doing their jobs.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented an alarming rise in the arrest of journalists since the onset of the Gaza conflict. As of March 2025, CPJ has recorded 75 arrests of journalists across Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. CPJ has stated that these arrests appear to be part of a broader campaign of retaliation against journalists for their reporting and commentary.

Abdellatif’s colleagues describe her as a professional, dedicated journalist who has faced harassment from Israeli forces in the past. They emphasize that her reporting is grounded in her commitment to documenting events, including tensions around the al-Aqsa mosque compound, where she has frequently reported clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police.

A Broader Trend of Persecution

This case is part of a worrying trend where journalists in Jerusalem, especially those covering Palestinian topics, feel increasingly targeted by Israeli security forces. Local reporters fear that covering Palestinian matters could lead to charges of incitement, putting their freedom at risk.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned Abdellatif’s arrest, noting that Israeli authorities have arrested and expelled several journalists from the Old City and al-Aqsa Mosque in recent weeks.

Abdellatif’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in regions of conflict, where their work is increasingly scrutinized and censored.

• Source: CNN NEWS