A/HRC/17/44 are provided for by law and are necessary for respect for the rights or reputations of others, for the protection of national security, public order, public health or morals (art. 19 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights). The Human Rights Committee has referred to the role of journalists in disseminating information and the way in which attacks on journalists, whether in the form of arbitrary arrests, torture, killings or other means are incompatible with article 19.90 Under international humanitarian law, journalists are civilians and thus entitled to the range of protections for civilian personnel, 91 as underlined in Security Council resolution 1378 (2001). While the Rome Statute does not refer specifically to attacks against journalists, particular actions can be considered within the existing framework of war crimes and crimes against humanity. 3. Factual findings 132. Reports received by the Commission indicate that Libyan authorities frequently resorted to action aimed at restricting the dissemination of information including cutting off landlines, Internet access and media outlets. A significant number of interviewees informed the Commission of an extensive media blackout implemented by authorities, particularly in the eastern part of the country. Social networking and mobile phones used by groups to rally support for demonstrations were also reportedly blocked. Internet connections were slowed down in major cities and various websites were blocked, in particular those that relayed views that were not sympathetic towards the Government. According to several media sources, around 18 February, Twitter, Facebook and Al-Jazeera websites were blocked.92 According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the authorities also jammed the signal of foreign media.93 133. Persons who were using mobile phones to take photograph or to film the demonstrations were allegedly arrested and had their phones seized by security forces. One man interviewed by the Commission reported that persons were prevented from filming injured persons in Tajurah on 25 February by security forces. The Commission also received information suggesting that the Government forces continued to confiscate electronic equipment, including mobile phones, cameras, computer and memory sticks, from persons leaving Libya in order to prevent the transmission of information outside the country.94 134. Media activists based in Tripoli reported restrictions on means of communication and reported remaining under persistent Government surveillance. Some foreign journalists faced expulsion. Several received warnings from the authorities to leave the country. 95 90 91 92 93 94 95 For a recent discussion of this topic, see Human Rights Committee, general comment No. 34 (2011) on article 19: freedoms of opinion and expression, paras. 12 and 22. See rule 34, ICRC Study on Customary International Humanitarian Law, p 115. See, for instance, Committee to Protect Journalists, “Journalists under attack in Libya: The tally” and BBC News, “As it happened: Clashes rock Libya and Bahrain”, available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/middle_east/9402327.stm. UNESCO, “Director-General condemns violence and intimidation of journalists in Libya” 16 March 2011. Available from www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/. Also, Reuters, “Libya cuts off internet services-network monitor”, 19 February 2011. Available from www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/20/libya-protests-internet-idUSN1917005520110220. The Commission interviewed several foreign nationals and Libyans fleeing the fighting towards Tunisia who reported that their SIM cards were broken and phones taken away by Government forces at checkpoints to conceal evidence they may possess. On 30 March 2011, Libyan authorities expelled, without justification, Michael Georgy, a Reuter‟s correspondent who had been covering the conflict since 28 February. See Reuters, “Libyan Government expels Reuters Correspondent”, 30 March 2011, available from www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-reuters-idUSTRE72T3XH20110330, and Committee to 37