The Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists expressed its concern about the exposure of journalists to assault during the protest on Thursday, December 14, 2018.
The CDFJ reaffirmed its demand of the ensuring that journalists are safe and independent while they cover events, that security is available to them, and that there is no restriction on their work or assault on their person to obstruct them from doing their jobs and their duty.
The operation director of the CDFJ, Nidal Mansour, said: “The apparatus of the Law requires that the complaints – that is, of the exposure of journalists to assault during their coverage of the sit-in on that Thursday, be taken seriously.” He pointed out that the Centre had received information and complaints of assault at the hands of the security services and the guards.
Mansour clarified that the journalists coexist everywhere to carry out their profession, and they are not on anyone’s side but instead convey news of the events to the public, and according to the apparatus of the implementation of law, they are assured their right to independent work without any harassment.
Mansour further advised that the journalists, during their coverage in areas of tension, put on badges as evidence of the professional nature of their work, and wear clothes distinguishing them – a vest – and a press pass.
And Mansour invited the director of public security and the gendarmerie to a meeting in which to discuss the development of protocol to assure media professionals of their rights during their independent coverage, and allow the security apparatus to carry out its duty without coming into conflict with the work of journalists, which is in the interest of the public.
