The Iranian backed, radical Islamic group Hamas has taken the unprecedented step of detaining a freelance journalist working in the Gaza strip. Documentary filmmaker Paul Martin was detained Sunday. Hamas says he will be held for 15 days on a charge that he “harmed State security and the safety of the people of Gaza.”
His arrest happened abruptly during a military tribunal in Gaza on Sunday. Martin had been called to testify on behalf of Mohammed Abu Muailik, a Gaza man accused of collaberating with Israel. Martin had just begun to speak when the prosecutor ordered Hamas police to take him into custody. Ehad Jaber, the attorney representing Muailik says police were rough with Martin.
There are indications that the impetus to even turn attention to Martin came from statements Muailik made in his confession. Jaber says the confession was coerced. “Anyone was under such torture would say the same,” he said.
The Foreign Press Association out of Jerusalem issued a statement. “We expect Hamas as we do all parties, to respect the rights of every journalist on assignment to work without fear of being arrested.”