JERUSALEM
AA correspondents attending a reception held by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday say they were discriminated against.
AA Jerusalem representative Taner Aydin and photo-journalist Salih Zeki Fazlioglu who were invited to the annual press reception of Netahyahu, faced crackdowns by Israeli Shabak officials on the basis of their Turkish nationality.
The Israeli officials said that "those with Turkish passports face extra security searches due to Turkey being among the "high threat" countries for Israel.
AA's Fazlioglu was asked to remove his trousers while passing through an X-Ray machine and was told he would be searched under his belt with a naked hand.
After waiting for half an hour after the search, the Israeli press office officials apologized to the journalists.
AA Director General and Board Chairman Kemal Ozturk issued a statement strongly condemning the treatment against AA correspondents.
"Our colleagues working in the region often face interference by the Israel security officials, but such a shameful incident has occurred for the first time."
The Director General will send a letter to the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to express his regret in how the journalists were treated, adding that he will take steps in the name of international institutions.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
