Reuters demand Israelis free cameraman

Reuters news agency has demanded that the Israeli authorities release one of their Palestinian cameramen, who was arrested 18 days ago and has still not been charged.

Geert Linnebank, Reuters’ editor-in-chief, said 23-year-old Jussry al-Jamal has been denied access to a lawyer or his family and does not know why he has been detained.

Israel has produced no evidence to justify his detention.

"We now demand the immediate release of Jamal," Mr Linnebank said today.

"Failing that, we demand to see details of what, if any, evidence or allegations there may be against him. His treatment is an unacceptable contravention of all international standards for conduct towards journalists legitimately doing their jobs."

Mr Linnebank added: "The longer the detention of Jussry goes on without any evidence being produced or information about his whereabouts given, the stronger the impression becomes that this case has nothing to do with a legitimate investigation, but rather is an attempt to intimidate our staff and obstruct the work of the press."