Former British Home Secretary admits advising the bombing of Al Jazeera

[sabra]

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/article/181006/al_jazeera_slams_blunkett_over_baghdad_bombing

<snip>

In an interview with Channel Four broadcast earlier this week, Blunkett – who was a member of the war cabinet during the Iraq invasion – admits that he advised Prime Minister Tony Blair to attack Al Jazeera's Baghdad office.

Al Jazeera Network said today in a statment that it was outraged at such an attitude toward the free press. "We are troubled by the fact that the former Home Secretary's advice came only two weeks before the actual bombing of Al Jazeera's Baghdad office, which resulted in the death of our reporter, Tareq Ayoub, and the destruction of our facilities.

"Mr Blunkett justified his position by saying: 'I don't think that there are targets in a war that you can rule out because you don't actually have military personnel inside them if they are attempting to win a propaganda battle on behalf of your enemy.' "

It added: "We find Mr. Blunkett's allegations and position to be irresponsible and dangerous not only for Al Jazeera but for the freedom of media everywhere in the world.

[wtmusic]

1. That logic makes FOX News a fair target

(and just about any other American outlet)

[peace13]

2. The world has truly gone mad!!

What is next, orphanages because they are breading grounds for terrorist? It almost looks hopeless. Kim

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. Does that count as a war crime? n/t

[sabra]

4. I would think so? I know Al Jazeera is looking into legal action

but haven't heard any updates...

[Tom Joad]

5. Israel and the US militaries have been targeting journalists too.