Hasidic newspaper, Der Tzitung, has evoked controversy with the alteration of the famous White House Situation Room pictures which were released following the death of Osama Bin Laden.

The Brooklyn-based paper has removed the Secretary of State from the photograph along with another woman, Audrey Tomason. The move has received much criticism and some even regarded the issue of photo manipulation as violation of the Code of Ethics of the standards of journalism.

Besides this, while releasing the pictures, the White House clearly stated that the photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.

The photo-shopping was first noticed by the blogger Failed Messiah.

Following this, a detailed statement was released by the newspaper explaining why the move has been taken to alter the picture apologizing for the same.

All Government employees are sworn into office, promising adherence to the Constitution, and our Constitution attests to our greatness as a nation that is a light beacon to the entire world, the statement reads. The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. That has precedence even to our cherished freedom of the press! In accord with our religious beliefs, we do not publish photos of women, which in no way relegates them to a lower status. Publishing a newspaper is a big responsibility, and our policies are guided by a Rabbinical Board. Because of laws of modesty, we are not allowed to publish pictures of women, and we regret if this gives an impression of disparaging to women, which is certainly never our intention. We apologize if this was seen as offensive.

Note the difference between the original and altered photographs below:

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