The Hague—11 November 2025
The MENA Editors Network, in cooperation with Maison du Peuple d’Europe, concluded its international forum in The Hague, Netherlands, held on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, under the title:
“Gaza and Deferred Justice: Media Facing War Crimes.”
The event brought together a distinguished group of journalists, academics, and European and Arab researchers who discussed the vital role of the media in exposing violations, demanding accountability, and strengthening mechanisms of media justice in conflict zones—especially amid the ongoing targeting of journalists in the Gaza Strip.
🔹 Calls for Media Justice and International Accountability
Participants emphasized that protecting journalists is not only a professional demand but also a human and moral obligation, closely tied to the public’s right to know and to the defense of freedom of expression.
At the closing session, the speakers shared remarks reflecting their individual perspectives and expertise:
Tineke Bennema – Writer and Historian:
“Gaza is not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a real test of the Western media’s conscience. We need a fair narrative that reflects the truth without bias or justification for violence.”
Eildert Mulder—Journalist at Trouw (Netherlands):
“When the media falls silent, impunity thrives. It is our responsibility to keep asking, keep investigating, and keep exposing—because truth is the first casualty of war.”
Miryam Aouragh – Professor of Media Studies, University of Westminster (UK):
“We cannot speak of press freedom without justice for Palestine. Protecting journalists in Gaza is not a local concern; it is a defense of universal human values.”
Dr. Sai Englert – Assistant Professor, Leiden University:
“Media cannot be neutral in the face of occupation. Neutrality in the presence of injustice is complicity. Scholars and journalists must work together to dismantle narratives of power and give voice to the victims.”
Closing Statement – Aboubakr Ibrahimoglu
Chairman of the MENA Editors Network:
We send a clear message: There can be no justice without free media and no peace without protecting journalists.
Impunity endangers not only journalists but truth itself. Our mission as media professionals is to rebuild public trust in journalism and to safeguard humanity’s right to reliable, factual information.”
The forum concluded with a shared commitment between the MENA Editors Network and Maison du Peuple d’Europe to continue organizing joint initiatives that promote media justice, journalist protection, and the human and ethical mission of journalism in times of war and occupation.
