NBC News Cuts Ties With Journalist Arrested by Israel for Glorifying Hamas Terrorism
NBC News Cuts Ties with Journalist Arrested for Inciting Terror
NBC News has severed its relationship with a journalist who was arrested by Israel on suspicion of inciting terror and aligning with a terrorist group following the Hamas attacks on October 7.
During a hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, a police representative claimed that Marwat Al-Azza, a former freelancer for NBC News, deliberately “incited and glorified the horrific acts committed against civilians,” according to the Jerusalem Post. Azza’s arrest was prompted by her Facebook posts about the attacks, as reported by the outlet.
“The investigation of Ms. Azza is unrelated to NBC News. It is based on her personal Facebook posts that predate her time with us as a freelancer. We were not aware of those posts before we engaged Ms. Azza four weeks ago. She will not be contributing to our coverage going forward,” NBC News stated to the Washington Free Beacon on Monday.
One of Azza’s posts, as alleged by Haaretz, apparently mocked the kidnapping of an elderly Israeli woman. The post read, “It’s killing me, it’s a black comedy, the old woman looks happy, a bit of action before she dies.”
In another post, she wrote, “Sirens all the time, the Jews are hiding and the Arabs are out drinking coffee on their balconies.” She also expressed feeling like she was “watching a movie where the director is Palestinian and the protagonists are from Gaza.”
During the hearing, Azza’s defense attorney confirmed that the posts were indeed hers, according to the Jerusalem Post.
“This is a normative woman, engaged in journalism, and her role is very important to everyone,” the attorney claimed. “She was asked in her investigation about her work. I believe that in the things attributed to her, she cooperated fully. She did not try to hide, saying ’I had a hacker.’
“Even when she did not have a phone, which is the main tool, she said, ‘Indeed, these are my posts,’ and this eliminates a thousand disruptive actions,” the attorney added.
However, Haaretz reported that the attorney admitted Azza had deleted some of her posts, although he insisted that she did not do so to conceal evidence.
Earlier this year, Azza claimed to be a victim of sexual harassment at a medical center in Bethlehem and criticized the Palestinian Ministry of Health for mishandling her case.
NBC’s decision to sever ties with Azza comes at a time when several media outlets are facing scrutiny for their employment of freelancers. CNN and the Associated Press also cut ties with Hassan Eslaiah after a photo emerged showing him receiving a kiss from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Why is it important for news organizations to conduct proper vetting and background checks when hiring journalists
A freelancer,” NBC News said in a statement. “We were not aware of her activities or views outside of her work for us, and do not condone or support any form of incitement or glorification of violence.”
The arrest of Marwat Al-Azza has raised concerns about the credibility and responsibility of journalists in reporting on sensitive and volatile topics. It serves as a reminder of the power and influence that journalists hold and the need for ethical reporting.
Journalists have a crucial role in providing accurate and objective information to the public. Their duty is to report the news in a fair and impartial manner, adhering to ethical principles and professional standards. Inciting violence or glorifying acts of terror not only violates these principles but also undermines the credibility of the journalist and the news organization they represent.
In an era of social media, where information spreads rapidly and reaches a wide audience, journalists must exercise caution and responsibility in their online presence. While they have the right to express their opinions and beliefs as individuals, they must be mindful of the potential impact it may have on their professional standing and the public’s perception of their work.
NBC News’ swift action in severing ties with Marwat Al-Azza demonstrates their commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and distancing themselves from any association with incitement or terrorism. It sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated or supported.
However, this incident also highlights the importance of proper vetting and background checks when hiring journalists. News organizations have a responsibility to ensure that the individuals they employ uphold the highest standards of journalism and do not engage in activities that could compromise their credibility or the reputation of the organization.
In conclusion, NBC News’ decision to cut ties with a journalist arrested for inciting terror and aligning with a terrorist group reaffirms the need for responsible and ethical journalism. It serves as a reminder to journalists of the impact their words and actions can have, and the importance of upholding the principles of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness in their reporting. News organizations must also prioritize proper vetting processes to maintain the credibility and trust of their audience.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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