-Caveat Lector- http://www.dailystar.com.lb/09_11_02/art5.asp
French journalist decries ‘Zionist’ tactics Reporters face pressure in Arab-Israeli conflict Long-time writer for leading papers says his criticism got him blackballed Badih Chayban Special to The Daily Star A visiting French journalist told a Beirut audience Friday that he was blackballed by media outlets in France for his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s government. Speaking at a news conference at the Press Federation headquarters in Beirut, Alain Chevalerias described his unhappy experience as a journalist covering the Middle East, while facing what he described as “Zionist pressure.” Chevalerias, who has worked as a freelance journalist for many French publications over the last 30 years, said he had been recently stringent in his criticism of Israel and the Sharon government. In addition to his articles appearing in print in a variety of journals, Chevalerias has also made regular radio appearances and conducted university seminars. He said that while he was covering the Arab League summit in Beirut last March, he reported that Sharon’s policies were designed to undermine the summit’s decisions, including the Arab Peace Initiative. Although editors changed his articles before they were printed, Chevalerias said that, at the time, he did not suspect a conspiracy. But then he added that, at the beginning of last summer, the leading French daily, Le Figaro, suddenly stopped publishing his articles. “I thought it was normal, until a friend called me and said, ‘Don’t touch Israel, leave it for others. You are now punished,’” Chevalerias said. The freeze on his work extended not only to the journals Chevalerias used to write for, but reached a group of lawyers he freelanced for. “Suddenly, on June 26, I received a letter putting an end to (this business) relationship,” Chevalerias said. In blaming supporters of Israel for his professional misfortunes, he said there was a difference between “Jews” and “Zionists. He said the “Zionists” were the ones trying to silence him, whereas many of his Jewish friends were helping him try to get his jobs back. Chevalerias said that it was hard for a French national, who was raised on the logic of freedom of expression, to be ostracized for his opinions: “I felt abused and angry,” he said. He added that he had applied on multiple occasions for reinstatement at Le Figaro, but that he has had no luck. Frustrated in his efforts, Chevalerias began a hunger strike on Sept. 24. “I used to sit on a public road in Paris every day,” he said, adding that the move garnered him public support. He said that this public backing eventually led the editors at Le Figaro to invite him back. Regarding the episode, he said he learned that, “even if saying the truth is hard and has severe consequences, every journalist has the duty to report not only what he sees, but also what he believes.” Press Federation president Mohammed Baalbaki, who spoke during the news conference, said that Chevalerias’ case was of crucial local importance, because he shared the same enemy as the Lebanese public: the Zionists. Baalbaki said that “Zionists” were active worldwide in “suppressing free media and covering the truth.” He added that this was harming not only the Arab cause, but also international journalists seeking to report accurate information on the Arab-Israeli conflict. <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http://archive.jab.org/ctrl@;listserv.aol.com/ <A HREF="http://archive.jab.org/ctrl@;listserv.aol.com/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
