Reuters Journalist killed on Oct 13 was deliberately targeted in strikes by Israel, says RSF
Lebanon: In a recent revelation, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has claimed that a Reuters journalist, along with six other media workers, was deliberately targeted in strikes near the Israel-Lebanon border. The incident occurred during the coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel’s military and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
According to RSF's ballistic analysis, the shots were fired from the east, originating from the direction of the Israeli border.
The journalist identified as Issam Abdallah, 37, lost his life on October 13 in southern Lebanon during the attacks. RSF, known for advocating press freedom, has released a video reconstruction of the incident, describing it as a "tragedy" that resulted in the death of one journalist and injuries to several others.
Initial findings from the RSF investigation indicate that the journalists were not accidental victims. One of their vehicles, clearly marked as "press," was deliberately targeted. Witnesses confirmed that the group stationed next to the vehicle was comprised of journalists. The Israeli army, in response to allegations, expressed its regret over the incident and stated that they were "looking into it."
The RSF report highlighted that the strikes occurred within a remarkably short time frame of just over 30 seconds and from the same direction, indicating precise targeting. It is emphasized that the journalists were clearly identifiable as non-combatants. They were not hiding; instead, they had been in the open for over an hour on the top of a hill. They were equipped with helmets and bullet-proof waistcoats, both marked as "press." Additionally, their vehicle was also visibly labeled as "press," as confirmed by eyewitnesses.
This tragic incident follows previous apologies issued by Israeli officials for the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was believed to have been hit by an Israeli soldier’s bullet. Notably, Israel has chosen not to pursue charges against any individual regarding her demise.
The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on journalists, with at least 34 Palestinian journalists losing their lives in Israeli air attacks since the escalation of tensions initiated by Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
===================
The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
