– What characterizes well-functioning democracies is that they tolerate, and make arrangements for, different perspectives to emerge, and that they are discussed instead of being banned, says assistant general secretary Solveig Husøy of the Norwegian Editors’ Association. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB
Of NTB | 05.05.2024 19:44:05
Policy: – It is a serious attack on press freedom and not something we are used to associating with Israel as a traditional liberal democracy, says Assistant Secretary General Solveig Husøy to Television 2.
The Israeli government decided on Sunday to close the Qatari-owned TV station in Israel. Orders have also been given to seize equipment from Al Jazeera’s premises.
– It is serious for the protection of sources and the trust people should have that it is safe to talk to journalists, says Husøy.
The Arab news channel has had journalists inside the Gaza Strip since the war broke out in October, which Husøy believes has been important for both the world and the Israeli public. The decision will make the possibilities for discussion in Israel worse, she believes.
– What characterizes well-functioning democracies is that they tolerate, and facilitate, the emergence of different perspectives, and that they are discussed instead of being banned, she emphasizes.
(© NTB)