New York, NY, March 18, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the decision by broadcasting regulators in the European Union banning satellite broadcasts in Europe of Al-Manar, the Lebanese television network owned and operated by the terrorist group Hezbollah.

"We commend the European Union regulators' action against Al-Manar and its determination to end the transmission of anti-Semitism and incitement into Europe," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "The action shows that while European nations respect media freedoms, there can be effective strategies to prohibit broadcasts that infect the airwaves with anti-Semitism, hatred and incitement."

The ban against Al-Manar was one of a series of steps agreed to by national broadcasting regulators to ensure that the European Union rules prohibiting television broadcasts containing incitement to hatred are strictly enforced.  At a meeting of E.U. broadcast regulators in Brussels on March 17, members of the 25-nation bloc also agreed to step up action against broadcasts that incite hatred or promote racism and xenophobia. 

"We hope this action will provide a model for other nations, including the United States, to take action to ensure that Muslim and Arab television networks do not have a free pass to poison the international airwaves with anti-Semitism and hate," said Mr. Foxman.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.