CIJ: Act against those who attack media personnel

by S. Tamarai Chelvi, theSun

August 19, 2008

PETALING JAYA (Aug 19, 2008) : The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned over the rising number of attacks on media personnel by people alleged to be members or supporters of political parties.

“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,” CIJ executive director Gayathry Venkiteswaran, said in a press statement to theSun.

On Saturday, about 20 people, said to be supporters of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), reportedly beat up New Straits Times photographer Mohamad Sairien Mohamad Nafiz taking pictures of nomination day for the Permatang Pauh by-election.

According to the press statement, Mohamad Sairien was photographing several people “harassing” a passing vehicle belonging to Barisan Nasional (BN) when the incident happened.

The group also attacked a French photojournalist, Halim Berbar, of <i>HBL Press News Agency</i>, who saw the incident and went to Mohamad Sairien’s aid.

“Both the BN and PKR are now accusing each other as being behind the incident,” Gayathry said.

She said the galvanisation of the government’s top leadership over the attack of a photographer is a “rare occasion”.

Gayathry said that during the general election in March, former mentri besar of Perlis Datuk Seri Shahidan Kasim, and former home minister Datuk Seri Sheikh Radzi Sheikh Ahmad voiced concern when two photographers of a Malay-language newspaper were injured by Umno supporters.

Compared to this was the “overwhelming silence” in 2007 when two Tamil press photographers were allegedly abused by an MIC official; another allegedly beaten up after receiving death threats for writing against MIC; and a Guang Ming Daily photographer allegedly 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,” Gayathry said.

“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,” she said.