8 August 2008
Redress Newsblog

Friends of Mohammed Omer have reminded the Israeli ambassador, Ron Prosor, that they are still waiting after five weeks for an explanation of the vicious assault by Israeli security officers on the award-winning journalist as he returned home to his family in Gaza. Omer had been visiting European capitals after winning the Martha Gellhorn prize for journalism in war, which was presented to him in London.

The group had asked Mr Prosor to persuade the authorities in Israel to investigate the incident and, if there was any truth in it, to make an apology to Mr Omer for their brutal conduct, compensate him for the injury and in future respect his right to go about his work unmolested.

Mohammed Omer was admitted to hospital with cracked ribs and other injuries, and is still in pain. He is one of an increasing number of Arab journalists abused by the Israeli secret service.