Mr. Ofer Nimrodi
Maariv-Modi’in Publishing House
2 Carlebach Street
Tel Aviv
Israel
Vienna, 26 April 2001
Dear Mr. Nimrodi,
As the Director of the International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors and media executives, I thought I would take this opportunity to express my deep concern at the recent dismissal of Moshe Negbi, legal commentator for the Maariv daily newspaper.
On the basis of information provided to me, Negbi has faced considerable pressure over the past months to write favourable articles concerning the judicial investigations and criminal procedures involving yourself and your brother, Yaakov Nimrodi. During this period, Negbi has consistently refused to write such articles because it would compromise his independence and objectivity. An example of this pressure came several weeks ago when Negbi was asked to write an article commenting on the issue of a criminal complaint made out by Yaakov Nimrodi against police Brigadier General Moshe Mizahi. In addition, when former minister of public security, Avigdor Kahalani, was acquitted of illegally passing information, Negbi was asked to write about the case. On both occasions he refused to do so.
Although Negbi was employed under a contract, which allowed either party to terminate it without reason, I believe that the circumstances surrounding the termination have profound implications for press freedom and editorial integrity. You are certainly aware that, far from being an abstract concept, editorial and journalistic independence is the cornerstone on which the integrity of a newspaper is founded. Without such a concept no newspaper can expect to have the trust and confidence of its readership.
The dismissal of the legal commentator Moshe Negbi has infringed this fundamental principle and damaged the credibility of Maariv. As you know, credibility is the basis for the journalistic and economic success of a newspaper. I therefore appeal to you to reinstate Negbi as an independent columnist. By doing so you would be demonstrating that your respect for the fundamental principle of freedom of expression is stronger than your personal emotions or frustrations.
Best regards,
Johann P. Fritz
Director
We the undersigned, journalists from every section of the Israeli media, protest against the arbitrary dismissal of Moshe Negbi, the legal commentator of the daily newspaper, “Ma’ariv.”
Negbi, a recipient of the Sokolov Prize, is one of the most courageous and prominent journalists and legal experts in Israel. His dismissal for refusing to write a commentary serving the personal interest of the Ma’ariv owner, is an ominous sign as to the future of free press and the quality of democratic life in Israel.
We call on the management of “Ma’ariv” to restore Negbi to his position.
[The petition was signed by 300 journalists]
