Cartoonists rally to Steve Bell's defense

From the Greek Cartoonists Association Facebook page.

The Greek Cartoonists Association strongly protests the Guardian’s dismissal of colleague Steve Bell, one of the best cartoonists in the world. 

The termination of his employment took place in the aftermath of unsupported accusations of "anti-Semitic stereotypes" in his last cartoon, accusations that the paper's management sadly adopted .

This practice is unfortunately nothing new. For many years now cartoonists who criticize Israel's methods have been smeared as anti-Semitic in order to neutralize their criticism.

Members of our association have on occasion been accused of being anti-Semitic, but without being fired from the newspapers they work for.

The Guardian’s decision to fire Steve Bell does not only go against the free circulation of ideas and the principles of freedom of press, but also constitutes a clear act of intimidation and undermining of his professional prestige. 

The Greek Cartoonists Association declares its support and joins its voice with those who ask that the cartoonist be reinstated in his job.

UPDATES

"Our favorite cartoonist was fired for drawing this press cartoon" on YouTube (Three Israeli cartoonists are interviewed by American cartoonist Darryl Cagle)

French cartoonist Georges Million channels David Low to register his, and so many fellow cartoonists’ support for colleague SteveBell.

 

Steve Bell speaks out after being sacked by email following 40 years at Guardian in The Press Gazette.