The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the Palestinian Authority security services' arrest of journalist Akil Awawdeh on Thursday and called for his immediate release.

In a statement, the Syndicate considered Awawda's arrest "a serious violation" of freedom of expression"

Awawda's arrest came against the backdrop of his criticism on his Facebook page of the Palestinian Authority's campaign of arrests against political activists in the West Bank.

The group also welcomed the release of journalist Ahmed Al-Bitawi after his week-long detention.