Rebel authorities in the besieged Libyan city of Misrata have introduced tough restrictions on foreign media, banning travel to the frontline, cutting internet access and ordering journalists to work only with officially approved translators.
Insurgent leaders had previously encouraged journalists to move and speak freely throughout the city and frontlines.
Frontline units said they were under instructions not to allow journalists access because of suspicions that some would be working for other interests.
"We are afraid of spies from Gaddafi," said Mohammed Durat, head of the Misrata media centre and a member of the ruling city council. "You need a permission to work here."
Reporters have been denied access to the media centre's fast internet link, used by many foreign press to send stories.
The new rules come amid a change in spirit across much of the city.
After a month of fighting, the armed rebel militia, lacking heavy weapons and armour, has failed to push the frontlines forward. Continual rocket and mortar bombardments by government forces of rebel positions are inflicting a rising death toll, shaking the morale of people in the city.
Misrata is also running short of money. Public service workers and doctors have not been paid since January.
Adding to the sense of despondency in the city nis the failure of Nato to make good a threat it delivered, via leaflets, to government forces around Misrata last week, warning them that they would be attacked by Apache helicopters if they continued to strike civilian targets.
Since then, government forces have begun hitting the city itself with a handful of long-range rockets each day, but Nato has yet to offer a decisive response.
The city authorities planned to reopen banks on Sunday to distribute wages, but postponed it with no new date given.
Journalists are regularly questioned about whether there are spies operating among the foreign media, although Durat said he had no knowledge of such questioning. "We want to care about your safety, you should be happy about this," he said.
The mood of officialdom is in sharp contrast to that around the city, where foreign reporters are still given free accommodation, and free travel from passing cars. Rebel units, doctors and other citizens have all voiced strong support for the foreign media.
Journalists who have registered with the rebel transitional national council have been ordered to register again with the Misrata authorities. Those failing to do so are required to leave. Translators also have to be approved, two of whom have been told they might need to return to Benghazi, the other major rebel city.
Durat insisted the rules were to meant to protect journalists. "We are caring about you, we don't want you to get any bad thing," he said.
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