Official Statement of ARD German Television in Germany: ARD-cameraman Sawah Abu Saif still not released – ARD closes down Gaza office – ARD chairman Fritz Raff: “Clear sign of protest”
Five days after his arrest by the radical-Islamic Hamas in Gaza the ARD-cameraman Sawah Abu Saif is still not released. Abu Saif’s health is reportedly in critical condition, and according to the head of ARD’s Tel Aviv office, Richard C. Schneider, information from Gaza in general led ARD assume that he might have been or still may be subjected to torture. Hamas has so far refused to release the ARD-cameraman. In protest ARD is closing its office in Gaza until Sawah Abu Saif is released and safely re-united with his family.
ARD chairman Fritz Raff states that “ARD is extremely worried about our cameraman Sawah Abu Saif. Palestinian Human Rights Organizations and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly reported about torture in Gaza and the West Bank. And there are strong indications that our cameraman, too, has been subjected to torture. This is inhuman and we call upon Hamas to immediately release our colleague. All accusations against Sawah Abu Saif are, according to those who know and work with him, entirely unsubstantiated. We would like everyone who is in a position to support us on the ground, to lobby for the release of Sawah Abu Saif. Under such circumstances, journalistic work is no longer possible. Hence, as a clear sign of protest the ARD will close its offices in Gaza until further notice.”
Bayerischer Rundfunk has rallied behind its colleague currently detained in Gaza. As acting director Gerhard Fuchs states “Sawah Abu Saif is an extremely reliable colleague. He has our unreserved trust. Alongside his colleagues, he is committed to balanced reporting from conflict regions. If the welfare and safety of our colleagues is not assured on site then we need to act and close our office in Gaza.
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Richard C. Schneider
Bureau Chief & Chief Correspondent
ARD German Television - Studio Tel Aviv
Hahaskala Str. 5
Tel Aviv 67890, Israel
