UK, May 3, (Pal Telegraph) Comments made in a published interview with Sameh Akram Habeeb have resulted in Jak Codd removing an issue of the Leeds Student newspaper from campus and locking it in his office.
Sameh Habeeb stated, in his interview, that he felt there was a pro-Israel bias in the Western media and that you “only have to look at who controls the media”. Codd stated that this was anti-semitic and could not be allowed on campus as it presented a risk to students.
As far as issues of welfare/reputation are concerned it appears clear that Codd does not agree with a free press. The comments were stated within a feature and as a clearly attributed interview, but Codd seems to be under the impression that students cannot interpret viewpoints and judge them for themselves.
When challenged by a Jewish sub-editor of the paper who disagreed with his actions, Codd shouted “you’re only one person” to which the challenger retorted “you’re only one person”. It is claimed Codd then acted to get the sub-editor removed from the building by security.
Codd has censored the press (irony?).
Codd has ignored the hundreds of hours of hard work that go into making a newspaper.
Codd has acted beyond his authority.
Codd has brought shame on Leeds.
The Palestine Telegraph