'We expect all nations to respect the rights of all journalists,' says spokesman
The UN on Thursday called on all states to respect media freedom after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced protests from two reporters on the genocide in the Gaza Strip at a news conference.
Responding to Anadolu's question on the incident, UN deputy spokesman Farhan said he does not know the details of the protests.
"But obviously, we expect all nations to respect the rights of all journalists," he said at a news conference.
American journalist Max Blumenthal protested Blinken's remarks at the beginning of the briefing and said 300 reporters in Gaza were targeted by US bombs.
"Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May, we all knew we had a deal. Everyone in this room knows we had a deal, Tony, and you kept the bombs flowing. Why did you sacrifice the rules-based order on the mantle of your commitment to Zionism?" shouted Blumenthal.
Another reporter, Sam Husseini also protested Blinken, and was forcibly removed from the briefing room after interrupting Blinken's news conference.
Husseini called Blinken a "criminal."
"Everyone from Amnesty International to the ICJ is saying Israel is doing genocide and extermination and you're telling me to respect the process? Why aren't you in The Hague?" said Husseini.
