ISRAELI COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL OF AL-AQSA TV CORRESPONDENT

Ramallah, 30 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/20 February 2015 (MINA) – The Israeli Ofer court afternoon Wednesday (19/2) adjourned the trial of journalist Alaa Jabr al-Titi, 32, for 72 hours.

A defense hearing held by Alaa’s attorney, Fadi al-Qawasmi, for three hours at the Ofer court culminated in a decision to release the detainee on a 30-thousand-shekel-fine and suspend his work with al-Aqsa TV Channel, the journalist’s brother told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“At the end of the hearing, the judge issued a decision ruling for postponing Alaa’s court hearing after the Israeli intelligence provided him with a new 10-paper ‘security file,’” he added.

The Israeli intelligence apparatuses threatened to hold al-Titi in administrative detention in case the lawyer demanded the detainee’s release on bail.

The Israeli occupation forces captured al-Titi on January 21, 2015 on charges of working for a banned satellite TV station.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army command Wednesday outlawed the work of al-Aqsa TV Channel in the West Bank on the allegation of affiliation with Hamas.

The Israeli army chief claimed in a statement that the ban has been issued to preserve public security and order.

“Such a media outlet has direct ties with Hamas. Hamas backs it up. The channel is working on propping up the group’s infrastructure in the West Bank by broadcasting instigating TV shows that might undermine security and stability,” he added. (T/P006/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)