S'wak media apologises over snafu on slain Al Jazeera reporter

Sarawak-based daily Sarawak Tribune has apologised over a report on its print version yesterday regarding the slain Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif in Gaza after erroneously describing him as a militant.

“We unreservedly apologise to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Anas, as well as to our readers and the wider media fraternity, for any distress caused.

“We also wish to make it clear that we stand firmly against the killing of journalists and the suppression of press freedom anywhere in the world,” it said in a statement today.

This came after netizens criticised the daily’s headline on Anas’ killing, headlined “Militant using press cover eliminated”.

Anas (above), a prominent face covering the war in Gaza from the ground, was killed alongside several other media personnel in a targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists in Gaza City on Sunday.

Anas leaves behind a wife and two children.

According to Al Jazeera, the attack on the tent located outside the main gate of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital also killed Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal.

Also killed were freelance cameraman Momen Aliwa and freelance journalist Mohammed al-Khalidi.

Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the killings as “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom”.

“This attack comes amid the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which has seen the relentless slaughter of civilians, forced starvation, and the obliteration of entire communities,” the network said.

“The order to assassinate Anas Al Sharif, one of Gaza’s bravest journalists, and his colleagues, is a desperate attempt to silence the voices exposing the impending seizure and occupation of Gaza.”

Not promoting Zionist agenda

While acknowledging the article published on Anas’ death did not meet the high standards of accuracy the agency upholds, Sarawak Tribune, however, rejected accusations that they were promoting Zionist narratives.

“We strongly and unequivocally reject these allegations.

“The Sarawak Tribune has never, and will never, support or promote any agenda that undermines the rights, dignity, and safety of journalists or innocent civilians, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or faith,” it said.

However, the media agency said it would embark on several measures to prevent a repeat of the matter, as follows:

• Ensuring multi-source verification for conflict-related news;

• Implementing additional fact-checking steps before publication; and

• Providing further training for our editorial team on reporting in high-risk, sensitive contexts.

Livid NGO

Penang4Palestine criticised the Sarawak daily and said the report brought disrepute to local media, urging the media agency to tender another apology.

The NGO’s chairperson MS Anuar Mahmod also urged MCMC to monitor and act against local media outlets that publish biased narratives, which would jeopardise public interest and the country’s reputation.

“History will eventually reveal which media choose to report the truth or twist facts when faced with a humanitarian crisis.

“And my NGO stands firm with all reporters who risk their lives to report the truth and stress that journalists are not targets of war…they are voices of the people and truth,” said Anuar.

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