(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 27 August 1999 IFJ media release: Media Release Journalists call for safety in Timor The International Federation of Journalists has called on the Indonesian and Australian Governments to take all steps to ensure the safety of all journalists and other media workers in East Timor. This follows reports that […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 27 August 1999 IFJ media release:
Media Release
Journalists call for safety in Timor
The International Federation of Journalists has called on the Indonesian and
Australian Governments to take all steps to ensure the safety of all
journalists and other media workers in East Timor.
This follows reports that pro-Indonesian militia groups in the territory
have begun to target journalists.
In one incident, militia attempted to murder an Indonesian journalist. He
was shot repeatedly at close range and, although wounded, was saved by his
flak jacket.
A number of reporters, photographers and camera people have been assaulted
and one photographer attached to Reuters has been shot in the leg.
Militia members are reported to be chanting “kill the Australian
journalists”.
The attacks have not been confined to foreign media. Indeed, there is
evidence that Indonesian journalists deemed insufficiently sympathetic to
the integrationist cause are in particular danger.
IFJ President Christopher Warren has written to the President of Indonesia,
B.J. Habibie, and Defence Minister Wiranto urging them to ensure that there
is a safe working environment for the media in East Timor. Warren is also
the Federal Secretary of the Australian journalists’ union, the Media,
Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
“There is no greater threat to press freedom than these sort of attacks on
journalists doing their job. Attacks on journalists are attacks on
democracy.
“The ability of journalists to report freely is an essential component of
the democratic process. These sorts of attacks and threats undermine freedom
in Indonesia.
“Right now, only the Indonesian Government can guarantee the basic right to
safety of their citizens and foreign nationals reporting on the events in
Timor,” Warren said.
The IFJ has also called on the Australian Government to take all steps
possible to safeguard both Australian journalists and Indonesian nationals
working for Australian media.
The International Federation of Journalists is the international body of
independent journalists’ organisations representing about 450,000
journalists gathered in 130 independent organisations in over 100 countries,
including Australia and Indonesia.
With the support of its affiliates in Indonesia and Australia, the IFJ is
operating the Safety Office for Media in East Timor (SOMET). The office will
be releasing a report on yesterday’s events later today.
