|
Stop the blame game, take action against those who threaten pixmen |
|
|
|
|
Monday, 18 August 2008 |
|
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned
over the rising numbers of incidents where media personnel have been
harmed and attacked at functions where members of and supporters
representing political parties have been responsible for the
attacks. In the latest case, we are disappointed that a blame game has
resulted between the political parties involved and little concern is
shown towards the safety of journalists and photographers in doing
their work.
On August 16, a group of 20 people, said to be supporters of the
Parti Keadilan Rakyat, or People's Justice Party (PKR) reportedly beat
New Straits Times Press (NSTP) photographer Mohamad Sairien Mohamad
Nafiz. Mohamad Sairien was taking pictures of several people, believed
to be PKR supporters, harassing a passing vehicle belonging to the
Barisan Nasional (BN), the ruling coalition that is also contesting
the Permatang Pauh by election. Mohamad Sairien was on duty covering
the nomination day of the by election. The group also attacked a French
photojournalist, Halim Berbar from HBL Press News Agency who saw the
incident and went to Mohamad Sairien's rescue.
The incident drew responses from the government's senior
leadership, including Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Both the BN
and PKR are now accusing each other as being behind the incident. The
galvanization of the government's top leadership over the attack of a
photographer is a rare occasion. The last time it happened was during
the 12th general elections in March when former Menteri Besar (Chief
Minister) of Perlis Shahidan Kasim, and the former Home Affair Minister
Radzi Sheikh Ahmad voiced concern when two Malay daily photographers
were injured by UMNO supporters. Compared to this was the
overwhelming silence in 2007 when two Tamil press photographers were
allegedly abused by an official of the BN component party, MIC; another
beaten to coma after receiving death threats for writing critically
against MIC; and a Guang Ming daily photographer assaulted by an UMNO
member when covering an opposition politician, Tan Kok Wai.
CIJ calls on all political parties to censure their members and
supporters aligned to them who inflict harm and injury to journalists
and photographers, and to enforce greater respect for media workers.
All cases of attacks against media workers must be properly
investigated and the wrong doers brought to justice. The safety of
journalists and photographers to perform their duties is of paramount
importance and cannot be compromised by the acts of irresponsible,
emotional and aggressive individuals.
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) aspires for a society that
is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the
freedom to express, seek, and impart information.
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772.
|
