Four journalists belonging to privately-owned media organisations were physically attacked by police officers who disrupted a peace march organised by members of the Educational Unions’ Permanent Consultation and Action Framework.
(MFWA/IFEX) – On 15 February, 2013, four journalists belonging to privately-owned media organisations were physically attacked by police officers who violently disrupted a peace march. The march was organised by members of the Educational Unions’ Permanent Consultation and Action Framework (CPRASE).
The journalists — Souleymane Ousmane and Issaka Lawali, journalist and cameramen with Bonferey Radio and Televison, Hadiza Amadou, of Dounia Radio and Television (RTD) and Nassa Seydou, of Ténéré Radio and Television — were attacked while covering the protest.
According to the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent, the police officers chased the journalists out, threw tear gas at them and beat up the crew from RTD, before seizing their camera.
The correspondent said the attack resulted in varying degrees of injuries to some members of the CPRASE, while others were arrested and detained for hours.
The MFWA joins media professional groups in Niger in strongly denouncing this barbaric act, which connotes a clear violation of media freedom and citizens’ rights to peacefully demonstrate.
The MFWA calls on the government and the police authorities to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to book.
