Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., May 13, 2008 Iyyar 8, 5768 | | Israel Time: 04:56 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 04:54 13/05/2008 Knesset removes hallway cameras from press wing By Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Knesset Security cameras recently installed in the renovated part of the Knesset where journalists now have their offices have been removed, following a request by the chairman of the Knesset journalists and a number of reporters. Knesset director general Avi Balashnikov said he did not know the two cameras had been installed. Balashnikov said chief Knesset security officer Yitzhak Shadar told him the plan to install the cameras had been in the works for some time. Advertisement The chairman of the Knesset journalists, Ya'akov Eichler, wrote Balashnikov that the Knesset reporters were "stunned" to find the two security cameras when they returned from recess. "The reporters view the installation of the cameras as a serious impairment of their work in the Knesset, as it presents a danger that people going in and out of journalists' rooms will be monitored, including MKs and Knesset aides," Eichler also wrote. The reporters offices were moved two months ago to more spacious quarters. Eichler noted that there had been attempts to install cameras in the old office corridor, ostensibly for security purposes, but the attempt was stopped due to journalists' privilege. Former Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin (Likud) called the presence of the cameras "scandalous and a serious blow to the media and their independence." "It never occured to me to install cameras in the journalists' corridor," Balashnikov said. He also said that when it was decided to move the journalists to their new quarters, he made sure there were no cameras there. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik said she was unaware of the installation or the existence of the cameras. Cameras are installed in Knesset corridors and record everything that happens there. The films are stored for an extended time in the computers of the Knesset Guard. Such a camera recorded former Likud MK Yehiel Hazan removing an old voting machine from a storeroom during his investigation for double-voting. Cameras also revealed that MK Sofa Landver (Yisrael Beiteinu) removing equipment and a plant from the office of MK Ruhama Avraham (Kadima) Bookmark to del.icio.us   Death of a heroine Irena Sendler, who saved 2,500 Jews during the Holocaust, dies at 98. Apocalyptic tidings Holy See warns of nightmarish perils if Mideast nuclear arms race is not halted.

Read & React Israel on alert as clashes rage across Lebanon for sixth day Responses: 300 Olmert to Egypt: No Gaza truce if Shalit is not released Responses: 133 Lieberman: I'd join Netanyahu gov't if I received defense post Responses: 73 Akiva Eldar: If Bush was really Israel's friend, he'd stay home Responses: 92 Haaretz TV: Religious homosexuals contend with self-hatred and Haredi condemnation Responses: 86 Rosner's Domain "Double-ness, lying and imposture have a special significance for an American Jew" Rosner's Guest: The Jewish story in 6 words Obama: Jewish state is a fundamentally just idea (WTR) Interview with Bush: the transcript Can Israel Survive for Another 60 Years? (WTR) More Headlines 03:45 Bush to Haaretz: Peace process not contingent on one man 01:45 Police search J'lem municipality for evidence PM received bribes 02:44 Lebanese army says will use force from Tues. to stop fighting 02:45 ANALYSIS / In Lebanon, the new reality has taken over 20:31 Bush: Olmert is an honest man; our relationship is 'excellent' 02:02 J'lem bracing for gridlock during Peres presidential conference 22:07 U.S. think-tank aims to infuse Jewish life with dashes of color 04:54 Knesset removes hallway cameras from press wing 23:50 Woman killed as rocket directly hits Negev home 21:24 Olmert to Egypt: No Gaza truce if Shalit is not released 23:42 U.S. victims of terror in Israel sue Swiss bank for ties with Iran 21:36 11 J'lem teens suspected of racially motivated assault against Arabs Previous Editions Select Day 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may 06 may 05 may 04 may 02 may 01 may 30 apr 29 apr

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer The interest rates haven't changed But your profits will! Learn Hebrew online with Israel's best teachers Sign up for a trial lesson today Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved