Latest news with #NasserAlLahham
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Al Mayadeen holds Beirut, Tehran rallies in support of Nasser Lahham
The Al Mayadeen Media Network held solidarity rallies in Beirut and Tehran on Monday in support of its Palestine bureau chief, Nasser al-Lahham, who was detained earlier in the day by Israeli occupation forces. Speaking during the Beirut rally, the chief of Al Mayadeen's bureau in Beirut Roni Alfa described al-Lahham as 'a witness to the crime committed by the occupation against freedom,' adding that his colleague's words 'frighten the occupation more than bullets.' 'We will not compromise on truth,' Alfa declared. 'We will never stop speaking reality [as it is].' Addressing al-Lahham directly, he continued, 'We are waiting for you. Your absence pains us. Your presence is only delayed, and whosoever believes in free media stands with us.' He concluded with a call to action, 'To all the free people in the world, [let us] stand with Nasser al-Lahham.' Simultaneously, Al Mayadeen's bureau in Tehran organized a parallel rally in solidarity with the detained journalist. According to reports, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home in the early hours of Monday morning. Agents from the Shin Bet security service ransacked his property and seized electronic equipment before taking him into custody. The arrest has sparked condemnations from regional media circles and press freedom advocates. This latest move comes as part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting journalists and media operations in occupied Palestine. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel. Al Mayadeen Media Network issued a strong-worded statement on Monday denouncing the violent detention of its bureau chief in occupied Palestine. The network said the arrest was carried out with "brutality and repression," demanding al-Lahham's immediate release. On Monday morning, July 7, Israeli occupation forces arrested our colleague Nasser Al-Lahham, Al Mayadeen's Bureau Chief in # arrest was executed brutally and oppressively. The arresting unit, consisting of Shin Bet officers and personnel, ransacked al-Lahham's… Mayadeen labeled al-Lahham's detention as part of a wider campaign of repression carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinian journalists. "We are not surprised by the occupation's sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth." Al Mayadeen's statement asserted that al-Lahham is one of the most renowned names in Palestinian media, with more than 30 years of experience in journalism. His arrest drew immediate condemnation from across the Arab world, with media figures, press freedom advocates, and political movements expressing solidarity. "For us, Nasser is more than a bureau chief. He is a leading voice in Palestinian journalism, a symbol of purposeful reporting, and a steadfast defender of his people's rights," Al Mayadeen's statement asserted.
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Israeli military court extends al-Lahham's detention until Tuesday
The Israeli military court at Ofer has extended the detention of Palestinian journalist and Al Mayadeen's bureau chief in the occupied Palestinian territories, Nasser al-Lahham, until next Tuesday for 'continued interrogation,' according to a joint statement by the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS). Earlier today, the head of the PPS, Abdullah al-Zaghari, told Al Mayadeen that al-Lahham underwent an interrogation session yesterday at the Moskobiya detention center. He affirmed that the occupation is attempting to level baseless accusations against al-Lahham, adding that the defense team intends to file an appeal if the detention is further extended. On Thursday, he confirmed that al-Lahham was being subjected to interrogation proceedings before the Israeli military court at Ofer prison, following his arrest from his residence in Beit Lahm several days ago. At the time, al-Zaghari stated that al-Lahham appeared in court, amid indications that the Israeli authorities plan to extend his detention under the pretext of 'continuing the investigation.' He added that several legal outcomes remain under consideration: al-Lahham may be released, his detention may be further extended pending investigation, or he could be placed under administrative detention. Administrative detention permits "Israel" to hold Palestinians without formal charges for up to six months at a time, with the option for indefinite renewals. This practice enables military prosecutors to withhold evidence from suspects while arguing that the individual poses a significant threat despite insufficient evidence for an indictment. Israeli authorities have significantly escalated their use of administrative detention against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This increase in arbitrary detentions, along with extended emergency measures that enable inhumane treatment of Palestinians, has been accompanied by a lack of investigation into incidents of torture and deaths in Israeli detention recently. Released detainees, human rights lawyers, and video evidence have provided accounts of the severe torture and mistreatment prisoners have endured, including violent beatings, sexual abuse, forced humiliation, and cruel treatment such as being forced to kneel during inmate counts or sing Israeli songs. Administrative detention is one of the key tools through which "Israel" has enforced its system of apartheid against Palestinians. Testimonies and video evidence also point to numerous incidents of torture and other ill-treatment by Israeli forces, including severe beatings and deliberate humiliation of Palestinians who are detained in dire conditions. The Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Club have reported on Sunday that at least 193 journalists have been arrested or detained by Israeli forces since the beginning of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Among them, 50 journalists remain imprisoned, including al-Lahham. The two organizations warned of a dangerous escalation in the targeting of media professionals, stressing that "Israel's" actions constitute a systematic campaign to silence the press and obstruct coverage of its crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In a similar context, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, called on Friday for clarity surrounding the arrest of al-Lahham, emphasizing the necessity of allowing journalists to operate freely, without fear of imprisonment or any form of intimidation. His remarks came during a press conference in response to Al Mayadeen's inquiry about whether UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been urging the release of detained media personnel, including al-Lahham. Dujarric expressed serious concern regarding the situation of journalists in occupied Palestine, stating: 'Not only is there a shortage of journalists in Gaza, but there has also been harassment against journalists in both Gaza and the West Bank throughout the conflict in general.' Al Mayadeen had previously submitted an official letter to the UN spokesperson on the day of al-Lahham's arrest, urging the United Nations to take a clear position on the arbitrary and unjustified detention. No formal response was received. During the most recent press briefing on July 7, Al Mayadeen reiterated its demand for a concrete stance, especially in light of the ongoing targeting of Palestinian media professionals. Al Mayadeen labeled al-Lahham's detention as part of a wider campaign of repression carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinian journalists. "We are not surprised by the occupation's sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth." This is not the first time al-Lahham has been targeted by Israeli forces. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel. Read more: Al Mayadeen holds Beirut, Tehran rallies in support of Nasser Lahham
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
UN urges press freedom amid arrest of Al Mayadeen's Nasser Al-Lahham
The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, called for clarity surrounding the arrest of Al Mayadeen's bureau chief in occupied Palestine, Nasser Al-Lahham, emphasizing the necessity of allowing journalists to operate freely, without fear of imprisonment or any form of intimidation. His remarks came during a press conference in response to Al Mayadeen's inquiry about whether UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been urging the release of detained media personnel, including Al-Lahham. Dujarric expressed serious concern regarding the situation of journalists in occupied Palestine, stating: 'Not only is there a shortage of journalists in Gaza, but there has also been harassment against journalists in both Gaza and the West Bank throughout the conflict in general.' The Israeli military court at Ofer has extended the detention of Al-Lahham until next Sunday to allow for "continued interrogation," according to a joint statement by the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS).Al Mayadeen had previously submitted an official letter to the UN spokesperson on the day of Al-Lahham's arrest, urging the United Nations to take a clear position on the arbitrary and unjustified detention. No formal response was received. During the most recent press briefing, Al Mayadeen reiterated its demand for a concrete stance, especially in light of the ongoing targeting of Palestinian media professionals. Hundreds of Palestinian journalists have been killed or detained by Israeli authorities during the ongoing war in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite this alarming toll, the UN response remained general, urging an end to the harassment of journalists and calling for their right to work freely to be respected. More journalists and media workers have been murdered in the besieged Gaza Strip since October 2023, when "Israel" began its continuing genocidal assault there, than in both World Wars and other major conflicts combined, according to a recent report, titled "News Graveyards: How Dangers to War Reporters Endanger the World," published by Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. Read more: Wartime journalism: The choices we make and the price we pay
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Al Mayadeen condemns brutal arrest of Bureau Chief in Palestine
Al Mayadeen Media Network issued a strong statement on Monday denouncing the violent arrest of its bureau chief in occupied Palestine, journalist Nasser al-Lahham, by Shin Bet officers and agents earlier today. The network said the arrest was carried out with "brutality and repression," demanding al-Lahham's immediate release. According to the statement, an Israeli Shin Bet arrest unit raided al-Lahham's home, ransacking his family's belongings and damaging their electronic devices. His phones were seized during the operation, which Al Mayadeen described as part of a wider campaign of repression against Palestinian journalists. "We are not surprised by the occupation's sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth." Al Mayadeen's statement asserted that Nasser al-Lahham is one of the most renowned names in Palestinian media, with more than 30 years of experience in journalism. His arrest drew immediate condemnation from across the Arab world, with media figures, press freedom advocates, and political movements expressing solidarity. Al Mayadeen called on the Palestinian and Arab journalistic community to take a firm stand, urging them to demand al-Lahham's release and acknowledge his long-standing professionalism, integrity, and dedication to ethical reporting. The network also urged regional and international press freedom organizations to take a stand against what it described as the Israeli occupation's "escalating war on media," citing a systematic pattern of arrests, censorship, and the deliberate killing of journalists, especially in Gaza, as part of this campaign. Al Mayadeen further appealed to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to intervene and defend al-Lahham's legal rights as a Palestinian citizen and journalist. "For us, Nasser is more than a bureau chief. He is a leading voice in Palestinian journalism, a symbol of purposeful reporting, and a steadfast defender of his people's rights," the statement said. The network expressed gratitude to those who have spoken out in support of al-Lahham, ranging from Palestinian leaders and political factions to Arab movements, international media institutions, and advocates of press freedom and free expression. Al Mayadeen reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for Nasser al-Lahham's release across all public forums and legal channels, vowing to continue defending the rights of journalists under occupation. This latest move comes as part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting journalists and media operations in occupied Palestine. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel. Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent Hanaa Mahamid continues to face repeated threats by Israeli authorities in an attempt to suppress independent media coverage from the occupied territories. The Israeli government has renewed its ban on Al Mayadeen's operations, confiscated its broadcasting equipment, and blocked its websites, in a crackdown against the network, amid the continued genocide in the Gaza Strip and the broad, ongoing assaults against the West Bank. Read more: Israeli airstrike targets Al Mayadeen's Beirut Office
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
IOF transfer Al Mayadeen's Nasser al-Lahham to notorious Ofer prison
The Israeli occupation has transferred Al Mayadeen's Palestine bureau chief, Nasser al-Lahham, from the Maskoubiye detention center to Ofer Prison, confirmed the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Society (PPS), adding that a court session for al-Lahham is scheduled for this coming Thursday. Member of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Omar Nazzal, said the Israeli interrogation of al-Lahham is focused on his work with Al Mayadeen TV. The occupation forces detained al-Lahham at dawn from his home in Beit Lahm, amid an intensified campaign by "Israel" targeting journalists at an unprecedented scale since the start of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Commission and the PPS stated. According to the statement, the number of journalists who have been arrested or detained since the beginning of the genocide has reached 193. Of those, 50 journalists remain in detention, including Al Mayadeen's al-Lahham. The Commission and the PPS noted that the majority of detained journalists are facing charges related to so-called 'incitement' through social media platforms and news outlets, while others are held under administrative detention based on alleged 'secret files'. The Israeli occupation also categorizes journalists in Gaza as so-called "unlawful combatants". Al Mayadeen Media Network issued a strong-worded statement on Monday denouncing the violent detention of its bureau chief in occupied Palestine. The network said the arrest was carried out with "brutality and repression," demanding al-Lahham's immediate release. Al Mayadeen labeled al-Lahham's detention as part of a wider campaign of repression carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinian journalists. "We are not surprised by the occupation's sadistic practices," Al Mayadeen said, "nor by its persistent hostility toward journalism, journalists, and the right to report the truth." Al Mayadeen's statement asserted that al-Lahham is one of the most renowned names in Palestinian media, with more than 30 years of experience in journalism. His arrest drew immediate condemnation from across the Arab world, with media figures, press freedom advocates, and political movements expressing solidarity. "For us, Nasser is more than a bureau chief. He is a leading voice in Palestinian journalism, a symbol of purposeful reporting, and a steadfast defender of his people's rights," Al Mayadeen's statement asserted. In late October 2023, Israeli forces raided al-Lahham's home, assaulting his wife and children, conducting an intrusive search, and detaining his two sons, Basil and Basel. Read more: Al Mayadeen holds Beirut, Tehran rallies in support of Nasser Lahham
