FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2024
Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | [email protected]
CODEPINK Unfurls Giant Palestinian Flag On Washington Hilton As Guests Attend White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Peace Activists Refuse to Let Media Forget About the Genocide They Are Ignoring
WASHINGTON—CODEPINK and other peace activists protested the White House Correspondents' Dinner in solidarity with Palestinian journalists, who made an international demand for reporters to boycott the ceremony.
CODEPINK’s Medea Benjamin and members waved a large Palestinian Flag from a hotel room window as a reminder to members of the media that the world sees through the White House lies the media so eagerly repeats. The United States media has perpetuated anti-Palestinian narratives and ignored Israeli war crimes.
Benjamin recently returned from Türkiye, where she, along with numerous other human rights activists, were denied the opportunity to deliver necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza. This denial came after pressure from the United States and Israel on Türkiye to prevent the flotilla of ships from leaving the port.
Inside the Hilton, at the red carpet entrance, CODEPINK activist Julia Norman was asked to leave after she put on a vest that read: Tell The Truth About Gaza.
However, before her removal, she was able to confront a few genocide supporters, including Senator Jon Fetterman, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Senator Chis Coons, and Congressman Michael McFaul.
Outside, peace activists held signs that read, "Say the words: Genocide. Ethnic cleansing. Occupied Territory, Refugee camps. Palestine." this is a reference to the leaked NYT memo where Times reporters and journalists were told not to use the words genocide, ethnic cleansing, occupied territory, and refugee camps in their reporting.
The memo is just one shameful example of how mainstream media is giving cover to the White House and elected officials for funding and supporting the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestine.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner, traditionally a symbol of journalistic integrity and freedom, has now become a platform that celebrates and endorses the administration's actions. CODEPINK emphasizes that trustworthy journalism does not lie in complicity but in holding power to account and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Click here for photos from tonight's protest.
Click here for videos from tonight's protest.
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